R&D Engineering Technician

About Sorion

Sorion is re-engineering how critical chemicals and materials are produced through a mechano-catalytic platform that replaces slow, high-energy, solvent-intensive steps with direct, high-efficiency solid-state processes. Our approach enables materials that are impractical to make by conventional means, unlocking entirely new possibilities for industry and the planet. If you want your work to become real products and help define the future of materials manufacturing, this is the place.

Role description

As R&D Engineering Technician at Sorion, you will build, operate, and maintain the hands-on infrastructure that enables rapid mechanochemistry R&D. You’ll assemble custom milling systems, wire temperature-control rigs, execute high-quality experiments, and support the early build-out of our pilot plant. Your work will turn experimental ideas into reliable hardware and data-producing systems, directly increasing Sorion’s scientific velocity and helping us scale from benchtop prototypes to production-ready unit operations.

What you’ll do

Build and modify experimental equipment

• Assemble, wire, and validate modified ball milling systems, including integrating heaters, thermocouples, PID controllers, and motor drivers
• Build custom mechanical fixtures and enclosures (e.g. 80/20 aluminum framing + acrylic)
• Work with engineers to prototype and debug custom mechanochemical reactor systems
• Maintain and repair laboratory equipment to maximize uptime

Execute experiments with reliability and precision

• Co-develop and refine SOPs with scientists and engineers to ensure efficient, high-quality experimental workflows
• Precisely and rigorously execute mechanochemical experiments including data collection
• Handle powders, reagents, and solvents safely and consistently
• Organize experimental materials, consumables, and records for efficiency and traceability

Support pilot-scale unit operations

• Assist engineers during the build-out of Sorion’s pilot line, contributing to rigging, wiring, troubleshooting, and validation
• Help bring new unit operations online and ensure they operate safely and as intended

Shape culture and ways of working

• Maintain a clean, organized, safety-first workspace
• Collaborate across disciplines with low ego and high curiosity
• Play a critical role in defining Sorion’s foundational culture as an early team member

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a hands-on builder – whether you developed skills in industry, in school, or through personal projects.

• Ability to read and execute basic wiring diagrams for heaters, PID controllers, thermocouples, relays, and motor drivers
• Hands-on mechanical assembly expertise, including building rigs with 80/20, basic machining familiarity, and tool competence
• Proficiency in installing and using scientific equipment
• Ability to co-develop and follow SOPs with consistent execution
• Proficiency with spreadsheets for logging experimental data, tracking experimental data, and recording maintenance
• Safe handling practices for powders and solvents
• Ability to translate mechanical, chemical, and electrical requirements into actionable tasks when working with interdisciplinary team members
• Highly organized work style across both physical and digital environments
• Ability to thrive in an early-stage, high-ambiguity, fast-paced startup environment
• Low ego, high curiosity, and a relentlessly resourceful spirit

Location

On-site: Houston, TX

Compensation

Salary range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year USD

At Sorion, we take care of our team with competitive pay, stock options, and great benefits so you can thrive at work and beyond. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers, and are considered part of Sorion's total compensation package. We cover 100% of health insurance premiums for full-time employees.