Junior Test Engineer

The Company:

Four billion people —almost two thirds of the world's population—experience severe

water scarcity at least one month a year. Making matters worse, climate change is

disrupting weather patterns, leading to extreme weather events and unpredictable

water availability, exacerbating water scarcity. Its estimated 700 million people

could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030, causing not only disruption

in countless lives and livelihoods, but also geopolitical battles over which countries

will take these climate refugees in.

Water from Air (WFA) is a small, well-funded, swiftly growing seed-stage startup,

where you can play a meaningful role in solving this existential threat. Our

technology has the potential to not only dramatically reduce suffering – provide

urgently needed WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), avoid water wars, prevent

the forced migration of hundreds of millions - it also contains the key to creating

fertile ground for new economic development and prosperity in places that are

currently uninhabitable or soon will be.

The Technology:

Our technology is atmospheric water generation – literally water from air – via a

hardware and thermodynamic solution in a fully self-sufficient shipping container

that can be dropped in the most desolate regions of the planet, easily assembled

and maintained and operated off the grid.

Water from Air relies upon three patent pending technological breakthroughs to

generate game changing volumes of water from the air, powered only by the sun

and its own heat waste, at a fraction of the cost, with little maintenance, easily

sourced materials, and without much of the environmental wreckage of the

current best in class solutions.

Visionary founder, Bill Gross, is one of the most prolific entrepreneurs of our

generation, having launched dozens of successful startups from Idealab (the

incubator where WFA was born), based in Pasadena, CA. Idealab portfolio

companies operate with freedom and autonomy to build and operate planet

changing ideas, supported by a seasoned team of professionals skilled in helping

small teams navigate the challenges faced in early-stage startups.

The Role:

As a junior test engineer at Water from Air, you will be responsible for supporting the research and development team in setting up and running experiments to validate and improve our AWG prototype. You will work closely with engineers to conduct experiments, collect data, and contribute to the refinement of our AWG systems.

Responsibilities:

• Experiment Setup and Execution: Collaborate with the R&D team to set up experiments, calibrate equipment, and ensure the smooth execution of testing protocols. This will involve handling various components of the AWG system and integrating sensors and microcontrollers for data collection and automation.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Accurately record experimental data, observations, and results. Analyze data using standard tools and software and present findings to the team in a clear and organized manner.
• Prototype Development: Assist in designing, building and iterating prototypes of the AWG system using hand tools, power tools, and microcontrollers. Provide feedback on design improvements based on practical experiences.
• Quality Control: Conduct quality control tests on individual components and finished AWG systems. Identify and address any performance or safety issues to ensure the highest product standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow all safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others. Comply with company guidelines and industry regulations throughout the experimental process.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of experimental procedures, results, and any modifications made during the testing and development process.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D team to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the AWG technology.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and calibration of lab equipment, ensuring proper functionality and accurate results.

Job Qualifications:

Must haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and testing methodologies.
• Lab Experience: Prior experience in a laboratory setting or hands-on technical work. Comfortable working with hand tools, power tools, and microcontrollers.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is necessary to ensure precise data collection and accurate experimental results.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and propose practical solutions.
• Team Player: Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Passion for Sustainability: A genuine interest in environmental sustainability and the drive to contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Nice to haves:

• Data Analysis: Ability to collect, plot, and analyze large amounts of data to help the team infer insights about the experiment results using Excel and/or Python.

Location: This is an in-person role at the company's headquarters in Pasadena.

Our principles (the non-negotiables):

• No Egos - we strive to create a warm, friendly environment

• Intellectually rigorous - we welcome your opinions, particularly when they are backed by facts and data

• Adaptability - you are comfortable with the rapid pace and frequently changing landscape of an early-stage startup

• Sustainability – we build generative, planet friendly solutions

• Big Ideas – we love challenging the status quo with boldness, innovation, and entrepreneurship

Benefits / Perks:

We offer a variety of social programs, and family-friendly benefits to all our employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

• Flexible Time Off

• Life and AD&D Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why you should join Water from Air:

• Water is life. Humans are made of water and we come from the Blue Planet. Where there is water, there can be life. The lack of it is causing mass suffering and disruption. Abundance of water would solve many of the greatest threats to sustained human life on earth as we know it.
• It's not our first rodeo. The founders of this company have started and scaled dozens of companies that have gone on to be acquired or have gone public, including several with sustainable solutions to the climate crisis. Along with that track record comes wisdom, resources, investment, as well as a wide and impressive network of interested investors, partners, and customers.
• Opportunity to come in at inception. Have an early equity stake in a world changing company. This company is a rocket ship and we want people who recognize the urgency of solving this problem and want to do some of the best work of their career (and be rewarded for it) to make it happen.
• No more business as usual. We believe in the power of entrepreneurs to solve humanity's grand challenges and that you don't have to sacrifice purpose to make oversized returns. We aim to help forge the next generation of companies that truly value people and our planet, instead of the current model where a few folks extract value and leave a trail of wreckage in their wake.