Instrumentation and Controls Technician

RESPONSIBILITIES

Kforce has a client that is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Technician in Menlo Park, CA.

Overview

Our client 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 an I&C technician who enjoys working with materials, instrumentation, electro-/mechanical systems, and characterization tools - someone who values precision, documentation, and evolving lab processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide electrical, instrumentation, and controls technician support to lead engineers, scientific, and technical staff, utilizing CAD tools where design parameters and specifications have been established
• Create 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 direction
• Produce detailed 2D engineering drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Generate accurate bills of materials (BOMs), drawing packages, cut sheets, and RFQ-ready documentation to support procurement and fabrication
• Perform basic calculations using standard engineering formulas to support dimensioning, fitment, and material selection
• Interpret electrical drawings and other technical information
• Maintain systems documentation, bill-of-materials, and drawing archives to keep documentation current, visible, and traceable
• Manage CAD file organization, naming conventions, and revision control
• Incorporate redlines and design changes from engineers, updating models and drawings through revision cycles

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with superconducting/magnetic materials, cryogenic sample handling, and magnetometry or resistivity measurements
• Experience with vacuum systems, gloveboxes, and inert atmosphere processing
• Familiarity with lab automation, data logging, or LIMS/LES systems integration
• Comfort troubleshooting instruments or basic electro-/mechanical maintenance
• Familiarity with NFPA70 (NEC), UL508A, or NFPA79
• Familiarity with Beckhoff IPCs, input/output modules, and EtherCAT fieldbus
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 standards

What You'll Gain

• Hands-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 strategy
• Collaborative environment with scientists, engineers, and automation experts - good learning and growth potential
• Satisfaction of bridging materials science, synthesis, measurement, and data-driven R&D
• Hands-on experience designing, fabricating, and troubleshooting cutting-edge electrical systems for laboratory instrumentation and automation

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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