R&D Lab Technician

Are you excited by the potential of large-scale carbon removal? If so, Captura Corp. is seeking an R&D Lab Technician.

Captura is an early-stage technology start-up with the mission to develop globally scalable carbon removal to support a sustainable future for the world’s climate. Captura’s unique technology was developed and proven in Caltech’s laboratories and uses established electrochemical concepts to enable gigaton-scalable solutions for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via direct ocean capture. We capture carbon dioxide using only renewable electricity and seawater, creating no byproducts. CO2-depleted seawater is returned to the ocean to absorb CO2 that comes from the atmosphere.

As well as building, testing, and deploying pilot systems, Captura also has a strong R&D effort to develop and scale proprietary ion exchange membranes for the electrodialysis component of our capture system. As an R&D technician in the electrodialysis and membrane team, you will be responsible for lab scale testing of our proprietary ion exchange membranes to support senior engineers in development and scale up of new membrane technologies.

Key responsibilities:

• Follow standard procedures to conduct quality control measurements such as thickness, uniformity, defect analysis, haze, and swelling.
• Cut and punch membrane rolls and sheets to precise sizes using specialized tools to meet testing and processing requirements.
• Soak membranes in designated solutions for specific time periods to achieve the necessary chemical conditioning.
• Prepare chemical solutions following standard formulations and safety guidelines.
• Maintain an organized inventory of lab supplies, chemicals, and materials to ensure efficient operations.
• Keep workstations clean and properly maintained, including regular disposal of waste and adherence to safety protocols.
• Practice safe work habits, including complying with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations.
• Foster effective teamwork among R&D team members and complete expedited, high-value studies in a dynamic and fast-paced technical environment.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Capability to execute precise measurements, follow step-by-step protocols, and document findings accurately.
• Ability to track and maintain detailed lab notes, inventory logs, and test results for quality control and compliance.
• Proficiency with Excel spreadsheets for logging and tracking data.
• Capacity to manage individual tasks efficiently while collaborating effectively with colleagues on larger projects.
• Ability to operate basic lab instruments such as balances, thickness gauges, and optical microscopes.
• Comfort working in a wet chemistry lab setting around dilute acids and bases and ability to follow safety procedures including use of proper PPE.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a willingness to learn new tools and technologies as needed.
• Ability to complete tasks with little supervision.
• Strong time management skills, organization, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities in a dynamic, early stage startup environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• High interest in climate tech and the CO₂ capture industry, with a passion for contributing to innovative environmental solutions.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or equivalent discipline.