Engineering Technician - Materials Test

 

About Zipline

Do you want to change the world? Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building the first instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. Leveraging expertise in robotics and autonomy, Zipline serves tens of millions of people around the world.

Join Zipline and help us to make good on our promise to build an equitable and more resilient global supply chain for billions of people.

 

About You and The Role

The Materials Team plays a critical role in the development of all hardware at Zipline, enabling the most performant, cost effective, and reliable solutions. You will be responsible for daily lab operations to support materials & process development, failure analysis investigations, and process control validation. Activities will encompass a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, polymers, composites, textiles and adhesives. The scope is similarly broad; testing may involve standardized validation testing, custom test methods to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and novel material characterization. If you're a self-starter with a strong background in materials characterization techniques, and you want to be a part of a team that is making a real difference in the world, then we want to hear from you. 

 

What You’ll Do

• General
• Perform a wide variety of tests on a spectrum of materials: sample fabrication, materials characterization, mechanical and environmental testing
• Generate reports and upkeep of technical data, images, procedures, and materials
• Manage laboratory assets including maintenance, troubleshooting and consumables inventory
• Cross-Sectioning 
• Perform sectioning, mounting, and polishing on various materials such as metallics, non-metallics (composites, plastics), and electronic components (PCB’s)
• Develop and optimize polishing recipes for various types of materials and configurations
• Image polished samples on an optical microscope
• Mechanical Testing
• Prepare various materials for mechanical testing, either from test panels or production-representative parts
• Develop custom fixtures where required to meet testing objectives, either for machining or testing
• Inspect test samples for dimensions using precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers
• Apply strain gages onto prepared samples
• Operate universal test frames at cryogenic, room and elevated temperatures in either quasi-static or fatigue testing
• SEM Imaging
• Operate and maintain the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
• Prepare and handle samples for accurate imaging and analysis

 

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience within a materials test lab or similar
• Practical knowledge and understanding of diverse types of materials, including metallics, composites, and PCBA’s
• Experience operating and maintaining materials test and analytical equipment
• Familiarity with materials-centric test standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, SAE)
• High level of craftsmanship and attention to detail married with the ability to work quickly.
• Experience with machine shop and fabrication equipment to create custom tools and jigs for various materials testing
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical challenges and solutions.
• Must be eligible to work in the US. 
• Must be able to work in person at Zipline’s South San Francisco Locations.

What Else You Need to Know   

The starting cash range for this role is $80,000 - $120,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.   Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other c