R&D Test Operator

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Antora has developed a first-of-its-kind solid-state thermal battery to deliver zero-carbon industrial heat and power at scale. We are looking for a self-driven, safety-minded R&D Test Operator to support round-the-clock testing of full-scale and subscale experiments as we move rapidly from development to commercialization on novel thermal battery products.

You will join the R&D Test Engineering Team, working hands-on with engineers, operators, and technicians at our R&D hub in San Jose, CA. You will master SCADA and HMI controls to operate high-power, high-temperature test systems during in-person and remote operator shifts, perform physical install and uninstall of test hardware, execute pre- and post-flight checklists, and contribute to preventative maintenance and continuous improvement of the team's test infrastructure.

This is a full-time, site-based role. Primary shifts may include nights, weekends, remote on-call coverage, and overtime to support 24/7 testing.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Operate high-power, high-temperature (>2000 °C) full-scale and subscale test systems via SCADA/HMI interfaces during in-person and remote operator shifts.

• Monitor system health, respond to alarms, recognize unsafe conditions, and execute safe shutdowns when required.

• Perform physical install and uninstall of test articles and execute pre- and post-flight checklists to ensure clean execution of experiments.

• Support commissioning of full-scale thermal energy storage (TES) modules, subscale test rigs, and new or upgraded balance of plant systems.

• Perform preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, controls/instrumentation, and network systems.

• Identify and implement continuous improvements to test infrastructure, checklists, and operating procedures.

• Take detailed operational logs and document anomalies for clear communication with test engineering and product development teams.

• Read mechanical and electrical schematics and assist with building, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing balance of plant systems.

• Act as the primary point of contact for the R&D team during off-hours operator shifts.

• Provide on-call and emergency response support for the site during designated shifts.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment.

• Occasional travel to support commissioning, operation, and troubleshooting at other Antora sites as needed.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (AA/AS in a technical field preferred).

• Experience operating industrial plants or test equipment via SCADA, HMI, or similar control systems, with the ability to build deep proficiency quickly.

• Demonstrated discipline in following and improving structured procedures, checklists, and SOPs.

• Hands-on experience installing, removing, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial equipment (e.g., motors, VFDs, pumps, valves, sensors).

• Familiarity with instrumentation such as RTDs, thermocouples, and