Engineering Technician - R&D

Helios is seeking a hands-on Engineering Technician to build and support the mechanical systems behind our chemical process R&D platforms - and to own the workshop that makes that possible. You'll set the standards for how work gets done on the floor, and you'll hold the team to them.

About Helios

Helios develops cutting-edge iron refining technologies that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. We operate at the intersection of materials science, chemical engineering, and mechanical innovation. If you're passionate about building systems that shape the future of sustainable industry, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Build and Fabricate

• Assemble mechanical prototypes based on CAD models, drawings, or experimental needs - custom vessels, fixtures, and assemblies for high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically reactive environments.
• Fabricate custom jigs, frames, piping, and related assemblies to support R&D system builds and experiments.
• Apply thermal solutions, including integration of heating elements and insulation, for prototype and test systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate design intent into physical builds and iterate quickly based on test results.
• Own the lab and pilot ticketing system, managing and resolving service and maintenance requests.

Run the Workshop

• Keep the workshop organized and functional: sensible layout, tools where people can find them, clear storage and labeling, and good housekeeping habits.
• Operate and maintain workshop tools and equipment (drills, 3D printers, lathe, mill, TIG/MIG), keeping them serviced and in working order.
• Set up simple, practical working methods - basic procedures, checklists, and tool-use rules - and make sure the team follows them.
• Promote safe working practices by writing clear work procedures and enforcing PPE use.
• Manage consumables, raw stock, and assembly hardware - know what we have and reorder before it runs out.
• Handle purchasing of workshop and build materials and interface with suppliers, machine shops, and fabricators locally and internationally, so builds aren't held up waiting on parts.
• Help expand workshop capability over time by identifying gaps and suggesting new tools and equipment.

What You Bring

Core

• Technical diploma or engineering degree in mechanical, mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in metal prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical assembly.
• Experience keeping a workshop or lab organized and stocked, or a clear readiness to take that on.
• Comfort managing consumables and coordinating orders with suppliers.
• Strong familiarity with workshop tools and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and BOMs.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) for jig design and 3D printing.
• Basic electrical skills (e.g., wiring, sensor setup).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving requirements.
• Professional fluency in English (spoken and written).

Advantage

• Experience with inventory or purchasing tools of any kind, including a well-run spreadsheet system you built yourself.
• Hand milling, lathe work, or CNC machining.
• Practical welding experience for prototyping and fabrication work.
• Licensed Electrician