Mechanical Technician

Location: Bay Area, in-person

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on Mechanical Technician to become the backbone of our lab. This isn't just a maintenance role; you’ll be a crucial part of our R&D process, bringing our experiments to life. You'll build, assemble, and maintain the critical rigs and infrastructure that enable our core technology, from plumbing and piping to custom test fixtures. Your work will directly impact our ability to innovate quickly and reliably.

Responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, and repair our experimental rigs, including custom plumbing, piping, tanks, and electrical test fixtures.
• Assist with the day-to-day operation of experiments, providing hands-on troubleshooting to keep things running smoothly.
• Ensure the lab is organized, well-stocked, and safe, managing everything from tools to materials.
• Apply a creative and practical mindset to solve new mechanical challenges as they arise, helping us rapidly iterate on our designs.
• Work closely with our engineers and scientists to understand project needs and turn design concepts into working hardware.

Who We Are

Thunderstone is a deep-tech startup reinventing how the world accesses critical metals. Traditional mining is excavation-heavy, expensive, and environmentally destructive. We’re using underground lightning (high-voltage pulses) to open microscopic pathways in ore bodies, letting fluids flow and extract metals without digging.

Our work makes mining cleaner, cheaper, and scalable, unlocking the nickel, copper, and other metals the clean energy transition demands. We’re proud to be part of the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program, backed by world-class investors and strategic partners (including Rio Tinto).

If you want to be part of a company where your work doesn't just move experiments forward, but helps move the planet toward a sustainable future, Thunderstone is the place.

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience as a mechanical technician, fabricator, or builder in a lab, manufacturing, or R&D environment.

• A strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, with proven skills in plumbing, assembly, and fabrication.
• Comfortable with a wide range of tools, with skills in machining being a plus.
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings or schematics to implement experimental setups.
• A reliable and adaptable problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

• Competitive Bay Area salary (approx. $100k–$140k, depending on experience).

• Generous equity options with meaningful upside; total compensation (salary + equity) is often close to double base salary.
• Milestone-based raise opportunities.
• Flexible time-off, we trust you to manage your schedule and take the time you need to recharge.
• Join a small, mission-driven team where your work has a direct impact on our technology and our planet.