ETCH is a startup commercializing a radically new and efficient decarbonization technology for the simultaneous greenhouse gas-free production of hydrogen and solid carbon from natural gas.
The (Senior) Industrial Field Technician position at ETCH, INC will support day-to-day operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement of ETCH’s pilot reactor system. This role requires deep industrial experience and will take ownership of complex fabrication, mechanical systems, safety compliance, and procurement activities. In addition to hands-on technical work, this position mentors junior technicians and collaborates closely with engineering staff to advance reactor performance and reliability.
Primary Responsibilities include:
- Operations and System Monitoring
- Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the pilot reactor system and associated equipment, including the computer-based control system used to manage reactor operations.
- Read and interpret P&IDs, equipment manuals, process flow diagrams, and safety procedures.
- Identify and communicate process inefficiencies, equipment bottlenecks, and deviations affecting system performance or reliability, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Collaborate with engineering staff to design, test, and implement control schemes for reactor operations and auxiliary systems.
- Fabrication and Rigging
- Lead fabrication activities including structural and pipe welding
- Perform metal fabrication tasks including cutting, grinding, fitting, and assembly of custom components to support reactor build-out and modifications.
- Operate machine shop equipment including mills, lathes, drill presses, and angle grinders to fabricate or repair parts as needed.
- Plan and execute rigging operations for moving and positioning heavy equipment, pressure vessels, and reactor components.
- Select appropriate rigging hardware (slings, shackles, hoists, forklifts, cranes) and verify load ratings prior to lifts.
- Ensure rigging activities comply with OSHA and site-specific safety requirements.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Safely troubleshoot, maintain, and repair mechanical and electrical systems including valves, piping, pumps, motors, heat exchangers, and instrumentation.
- Lead assembly and disassembly of reactor components; perform site upkeep and ensure the facility is maintained to industrial standards.
- Execute Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and supervise contractor work to ensure compliance with safety protocols and applicable regulations.
- Apply structured troubleshooting methodologies to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
- Procurement and Parts Sourcing
- Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with local and regional suppliers for mechanical parts, raw materials, fabrication supplies, and consumables.
- Source replacement parts and components for reactor systems, exercising sound engineering judgment on fit, form, and function for direct substitutions.
- Manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables; develop and maintain a stocking strategy aligned with equipment criticality.
- Safety and Documentation
- Ensure safe handling and operation around hazardous materials including natural gas, hydrogen, hydrogen chloride, carbon powders, and metal salts.
- Apply working knowledge of relevant industrial standards and regulations (OSHA, ASME, NFPA, EPA, DOT) to equipment operation, maintenance, and site activities.
- Support safety and environmental compliance efforts by inspecting equipment and processes for adherence to applicable regulations.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with industrial chemical plants
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on industrial technician experience; 10+ years preferred
- Demonstrated welding proficiency (MIG, TIG, and/or stick); AWS certification or equivalent a strong plus.
- Experience with machining operations (lathe, mill, drill press) and general metal fabrication.
- Working knowledge of industrial rigging practices and safe lift planning.
- Experience with procurement activities: sourcing parts, working with suppliers, and managing spare parts inventory.
- Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems including valves, pumps, motors, instrumentation, and piping.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, fabrication drawings, and equipment manuals.
- Familiarity with industrial safety standards and regulations (OSHA, ASME, NFPA, LOTO, confined space, etc.).
- Strong communication skills and proficiency with computer programs (Microsoft Office Suite).
- Must be able to work safely in industrial environments (temperature, humidity, noise, confined spaces, outdoor conditions).
The (Senior) Industrial Field Technician receives direction from Technical Operations Lead to guide daily duties. An ability to work independently as well as in a team environment toward timely execution of goals is required. This position will also require a flexible work schedule including the occasional third shift.
ETCH is committed to equal opportunity for its employees. To that end, ETCH does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. ETCH is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.
Compensation commensurate with relevant experience.