Test Lab Technician

Pascal is seeking a Test Laboratory Technician to keep our lab, shop, and prototype systems running smoothly while contributing directly to engineering builds and testing. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on technical work and day-to-day operational ownership of our workspace.

Pascal has translated its core solid refrigerant technology into a commercial-scale refrigerator prototype. The next phase of development requires not only continued engineering effort but also a well-run facility and reliable operational infrastructure to support increasingly complex prototype builds and testing campaigns.

We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable managing facilities, fabricating a test fixture, assembling a heat exchanger/reactor, or troubleshooting a compressor. The ideal candidate will join a small team in a young startup and take on whatever roles are needed to advance the technology along its maturation path. While the primary focus will be maintaining safe and efficient lab operations and supporting prototype builds, working within a small team naturally creates opportunities—and expectations—to contribute to testing, instrumentation, materials handling, procurement, and other tasks that come with an early-stage deep-tech hardware startup.

Applicants should have 3+ years of experience in a technician, facilities, or lab operations role, with prior experience in a hardware development, manufacturing, or R&D environment. Hands-on mechanical aptitude and comfort working with prototype hardware are essential. Familiarity with thermal systems, gas equipment, welding, HVAC, or refrigeration equipment is a plus.

What You’ll Do

• Support prototype builds, including heat exchanger assembly, component fabrication, brazing, plumbing, and system integration.

• Set up, operate, and maintain test rigs and data acquisition systems.

• Assist engineers in running experiments and documenting results.

• Design parts, tools, and fixtures.

• Manage procurement of lab consumables, tools, raw materials, and equipment.

• Track inventory, coordinate deliveries, and maintain relationships with suppliers.

• Maintain and troubleshoot shop equipment, ensuring everything is calibrated and ready for use.

• Own day-to-day facilities operations, including lab and shop organization, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, inventory management, and vendor coordination.

• Coordinate facility needs, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, waste disposal, and workspace buildouts.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for building management and outside contractors.

• Support EH&S compliance, including maintaining safety documentation, managing chemical and gas inventories, ensuring proper PPE availability, and keeping the workspace audit-ready.

• Contribute to building and nurturing the company’s culture and values.

What You'll Bring

• 3+ years of experience in a technician, facilities, or lab operations role in a hardware, manufacturing, energy, or R&D environment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills: comfortable with machining, brazing or soldering, plumbing, basic electrical work, and general fabrication.

• Experience managing a lab or shop space, including equipment upkeep, safety protocols, and workspace organization.

• A proactive, resourceful mindset—you see what needs doing and do it without being asked. You balance scrappiness with attention to detail and safety.

• Familiarity with common shop equipment (mills, lathes, sheet metal tools, drill presses, hand tools) and basic metrology instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges).

• Working knowledge of EH&S practices, including chemical handling, compressed gas safety, and PPE requirements.

• Experience with procurement and vendor management for tools, parts, and services.

• Comfort reading and working from mechanical drawings and assembly instructions.

• The ability to operate independently, contribute effectively within a team, and take initiative when required.

Nice to Have

• Experience with thermal or HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, or heat exchanger assembly.

• CAD experience

• Occupational First Aid certification.

• CNC machining experience (programming and/or operation).

• Familiarity with pressure testing or leak detection.

• Experience with data acquisition systems or basic instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters).

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $70,000–$90,000, or commensurate with experience. We have a strong employee stock option plan so you can share in our success. We are committed to equitable compensation across our company, and we offer a generous benefits package to ensure you have the support you need. We cover 60% of the medical insurance premiums for our employees and their dependents on our base plans, and 100% of dental and vision insurance premiums. We offer an unlimited paid time off policy and encourage people to take regular vacations. We provide an employee-contribution 401(k) plan in addition to many other benefits. Every employee, regardless of gender identity or expression, is also eligible for 12 weeks of paid parental bonding leave after their one-year anniversary at the company.