Instrumentation & Controls - Technician/Electrician

About Periodic LabsPeriodic Labs is building an autonomous laboratory for high-throughput materials discovery. Our work combines advanced chemistry, robotics, automation, AI, and materials science to accelerate scientific discovery while maintaining high standards of environmental, health, and process safety.We are seeking a hands-on, I&C technician who enjoys working with materials, instrumentation, electro-/mechanical systems, and characterization tools - someone who values precision, documentation, and evolving lab processes. ResponsibilitiesProvide electrical, instrumentation, and controls technician support to lead engineers, scientific, and technical staff, utilizing hand and CAD tools where design parameters and specifications have been establishedBuild and manage large, complex electrical CAD assemblies for custom electrical equipment and fixtures, electrical enclosures, and instrumentation/hardware from engineer-provided concepts, sketches, and verbal directionPerform interference checks, fit studies, and assembly verification to identify issues before fabricationProduce detailed 2D engineering drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancingGenerate accurate bills of materials (BOMs), drawing packages, cut sheets, and RFQ-ready documentation to support procurement and fabricationPerform basic calculations using standard engineering formulas to support dimensioning, fitment, and material selectionInterpret electrical drawings and other technical informationMaintain systems documentation, bill-of-materials, and drawing archives to keep documentation current, visible, and traceableManage CAD file organization, naming conventions, and revision controlIncorporate redlines and design changes from engineers, updating models and drawings through revision cyclesQualifications & SkillsRequired:Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent lab experience) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or related field (or strong background in mechatronics, electronics, solid‑state, materials processing, inorganic chemistry)Hands‑on instrumentation & controls experience, preferably low-voltage (24VDC) wiring and controls enclosure fabricationExperience in wiring and integrating mass flow controllers (MFCs), pressure transducers, solenoid valves, thermocouples, and various control instrumentation and hardwareFamiliarity with AutoCAD (preferably electrical), redlining schematics, and building to printExperience selecting appropriate electrical supplies, wire/cable, enclosure components (e.g. relays, circuit-breakers, terminal blocks)Experience with digital multi-meters (DMMs), volt meters, and current measuring devicesExperience with Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) safety practices and proceduresStrong attention to detail, record‑keeping, and job/task documentationComfort with physically wiring various digital and analog input/output devices, lab instrumentation, and controls fieldbuses (e.g., EtherCAT, RS-232/-485, Modbus)Good documentation skills, ability to follow protocols, and write clear notes/task summariesFlexibility and ability to adapt to evolving processes and workflows typical of a startup/ research‑oriented labPreferred QualificationsExperience with superconducting / magnetic materials, cryogenic sample handling, and magnetometry or resistivity measurementsExperience with vacuum systems, gloveboxes, and inert atmosphere processingFamiliarity with lab automation, data logging, or LIMS/LES systems integrationComfort troubleshooting instruments or basic electro-/mechanical maintenanceFamiliarity with NFPA70 (NEC), UL508A, or NFPA79Familiarity with Beckhoff IPCs, input/output modules, and EtherCAT fieldbusFamiliarity with ASME Y14.5 standardsWhat You’ll GainHands‑on experience working at the cutting edge of materials discovery (superconductors, novel compounds)Exposure to a broad set of material characterization techniques and workflows (from synthesis to cryogenic measurements)Opportunity to help build lab SOPs, workflows, and influence lab design and automation controls development/deployment strategyCollaborative environment with scientists, engineers, and automation experts — good learning and growth potentialSatisfaction of bridging materials science, synthesis, measurement, and data-driven R&DHands-on experience designing, fabricating, and troubleshooting cutting-edge electrical systems for laboratory instrumentation and automationMechanicsMinimum education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experienceLocation: Menlo Park, CACompensation: The annual compensation range for this role is $124,000-$153,600Role Type: Full-time / Contractor We’re building a team of the world’s best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don’t just follow the frontier, they define it. If you’re driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.