ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Our client is a startup on a mission to enable the decarbonization of chemicals, materials, fuels and foods by using food waste to lower the cost of biomanufacturing feedstocks. Biomanufacturing uses microbes as mini factories to convert sugar into the same molecules that would otherwise come from carbon-intensive industries like petroleum or animal farming. Currently, the industry relies on carbon intensive and expensive crop sugars which have adverse impacts on biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and food security. Alternative, cost-effective, low-carbon feedstocks are urgently required for biomanufacturing to reach viable unit economics and commercialize decarbonization solutions. Driven by core values of being fired up, fast, exceptional, and clear, this team is determined to deliver on its mission to help biomanufacturing transform how things are made for the better.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Our client is seeking a mechanical engineer who self identifies as a “tinkerer.” We are looking for a builder that is ready to turn chemical engineering designs into prototypes, and prototypes into a pilot. The role will come in during the research and development phase, and will be responsible for designing the company’s process prototype, and building, commissioning, and operating its pilot system. The Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer will be heavily involved in hands-on R&D, coming up with creative solutions to achieve technical objectives, and will wear multiple hats in between.

The ideal hire must be comfortable working in ambiguous and fast paced environments. They must demonstrate an exceptional ability to execute and take ownership over results, even if not directly related to the trade. This is a small team, so everyone does what needs to get done, despite title. This person must be able to effectively manage time and feel comfortable with accountability. They must be able to readily pivot to new priorities on short notice and not be afraid to push for clarity when tasks/workstreams are not defined. Lastly, this person must be passionate about addressing climate change through biomanufacturing, excited about building a company from the ground up, and adept at thinking and communicating directly in a team.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with process engineers to develop a fully integrated process that converts various waste streams into product that meets target specifications
• Lead vendor relationships, understand equipment capabilities, obtain necessary equipment on time
• Design prototype with modeling software, size parts, spec out material and metallurgical requirements
• Design and build pilot system
• Using CAD to design, prototype, and spec out components for fabrication within aggressive timelines
• DFX, FMEA, vendor selection, fabrication documentation, GD&T
• Excelling in both numerical analysis and creation of test setups to empirically quantify performance, reliability, and failure modes of new system components
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to communicate requirements, design intents, and test procedures for these components
• Lead design and development work from concept through commissioning and operation of pilot system
• Develop and lead the design of experiments for validation of component functionality & robustness
• Consolidate and parameterize component designs for both ease of configuration and scalability in the field
• Be comfortable both working with vendors and working in a shop environment for quick turn prototyping and iterating on designs

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. degree or higher in mechanical engineering or relevant fields.
• 5-7 years of mechanical engineering R&D
• Experience with CAD or equivalent modeling software
• Prior startup experience
• Appetite for a fast-paced, early-stage, “get your hands dirty” startup environment
• Effective time management skills and demonstration of a high sense of urgency

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong proficiency with modeling and design software tools
• Exceptional organization, communication, and collaboration skills
• Highly autonomous and self-stewarding
• Strong work ethic
• Not afraid of the word “no” and always looking to push the bounds of what is possible
• Deep understanding of (or willingness to learn) the waste-to-value, food waste, biomanufacturing, and fermentation space

OUTCOMES:

How will the team know, with measurable clarity, whether you are doing an A-level job? What will the results be, what will be achieved? What will it feel like?

• Design and prototype a process that can run continuously within the first 6 months
• Design and build a pilot per technical development timelines

BENEFITS:

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience
• 401k plan
• 15 days of vacation, in addition to paid holidays, sick leave, and closed office the last week of December
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term & long-term disability coverage
• In-office snacks & drinks
• Weekly team lunch

Berkner Group has been retained to execute this search. If you were contacted by Berkner Group, please reply to the person who contacted you. If you are applying to a job posting, please email your resume and a brief introduction to careers@berknergroup.com. Please include your name and the title for this position (“[Your name] - Sr. Mechanical Engineer - LR4634WR”) in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you!