Manufacturing/Equipment Maintenance Engineer

Mori is a fast-paced anti-food waste Series C startup on a mission to create “More Food, Less Waste”, by transforming the food, agriculture, and packaging industries. Leveraging the unique properties of a naturally derived silk protein, Mori creates an all-natural food ingredient and coating which slows down the spoiling process of perishable foods. With Mori Silk, we can fundamentally change the food system by reducing our reliance on plastic packaging, reducing food and packaging waste, and increasing efficiency across the supply chain.

Our Values

• Operate with Care: We respect where food comes from and where it is meant to go.
• Practice Humility: We communicate simply and specifically.
• Do Good Work: We show the data and prioritize practicality.
• Anything, Anytime, Anywhere: We do whatever it takes to get the job done.

About the Role

You will advance Mori’s mission of “More Food, Less Waste” by providing technical support to our Pilot Plant, which scales and ensures stability of new manufacturing processes and product formulations ahead of process transfer to our co-manufacturer for commercial production. Your work will directly enable the uninterrupted operation of our food grade liquid manufacturing process at the 4000L scale. You will regularly flex between collaborative team-based projects and independent work for the effective implementation of new processes, while also optimizing day-to-day plant operations through equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance. You will need to be hands-on in finding innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges, some of which may cause you to step out of your comfort zone. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Manufacturing, you will be the primary person responsible for ensuring smooth ongoing operations of Mori’s Pilot Plant equipment.

Location & Schedule

• Based in Hood Park, Charlestown, MA
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, typically standard business hours but does require some schedule flexibility to support plant activities as needed 
• On Site Requirements: 5 days a week with the potential for some flexibility after training based on performance and business needs

What You Will Do

• Execute all aspects of Plant projects including initial project scoping, design, requesting vendor quotes, drafting documentation, obtaining approvals, overseeing or executing installation, and overall project management in collaboration with the Process Development, Manufacturing, and Food Safety and Quality teams
• Optimize plant operations through standard troubleshooting and continuous improvement methodology of production equipment and controls 
• Lead Preventative Maintenance program, including performing and overseeing Preventative Maintenance (PM) tasks on process equipment
• Contribute to safety of Pilot Plant equipment and procedures by participating in Process Hazard Reviews, safety walkthroughs, and supporting the implementation of improvements and best practices for Environmental Health and Safety
• Oversees utility equipment maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting
• Support routine facility operations
• Serve as primary point of contact for on-site vendors and subcontractors, including scheduling, coordination, oversight, and support
• Maintain and update internal documentation and software systems (P&IDs, Equipment Manuals, SOPs, CMMS)
• As a startup, job duties at Mori are based on business needs, which grow and evolve over time, and this role will be required to support additional tasks not listed here as needed

Who You Are

• Innovative Engineer - you love finding inventive solutions to complex problems. You bring a fresh perspective to challenges and enjoy pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking.
• Hands-On Enthusiast - you find joy in the tangible aspects of engineering, embracing opportunities to work with your hands. Whether it's prototyping, building, or testing, you appreciate the hands-on aspects that bring theoretical solutions to life.
• Continuous Learner - you have a strong desire to expand your knowledge and skills. Curiosity drives you to explore new things and you actively seek knowledge.
• Collaborative Problem Solver - you approach problem-solving as a team effort. Your ability to work effectively with others enhances your capacity to address challenges and find optimal solutions.
• Adaptable and Resilient - you thrive in dynamic environments and see change as an opportunity for growth. 
• Passion for Impact - you're motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference. You seek out challenges that stretch your abilities and create tangible value for your projects and the people they serve. 

What You Will Bring

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or other related major
• 3 years of work experience in manufacturing or industrial maintenance engineering 
• Strong aptitude for equipment troubleshooting and hands-on work
• Experience with hardware, fittings, material, and component selection (gaskets, metals, fluid connections) 
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and team building skills
• Ability to be on call outside of normal work hours as needed
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without assistance
• Experience with unit operations – (stirred tanks, purification, filtration equipment, and/or drying) and/or experience with facility and utility equipment (boilers, water softeners, waste treatment, HVAC, etc.) 
• Bonus points if you have:
• cGMP compliant process experience in food and beverage, pharma or related fields
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS and/or AutoCAD
• Experience and knowledge of working with electrical and PLC control philosophies