Director of Mechanical Engineering

Remora is seeking a highly technical and seasoned professional for the position of Director of Mechanical Engineering to join our team. In this hands-on role, you will steer the development of our advanced technology carbon capture system while leading and mentoring a talented team. You will also act as an individual contributor developing the mechanical system from research through technology demonstration to operational system design, serving as a key figure within the Engineering team. 

We’re a 50-person climate tech startup based in Detroit, MI. We're building a device that captures a semi-truck’s carbon emissions directly from the tailpipe. We'll sell the CO2 to end-users, and share that revenue with our customers, so our device will create a new revenue stream while reducing their emissions. 

We've signed up some of the largest companies in the world to pilot our technology, including iconic multibillion-dollar brands, top trucking companies, and some of the most recognizable Fortune 100 companies. We’ve raised multiple rounds of funding from top investors like Lowercarbon Capital, Union Square Ventures, First Round Capital, Y Combinator, and Valor Equity Partners. 

Responsibilities: 

• Execute: Lead by example, guiding the Mechanical Engineering team through complex component and system design projects in a research and development (R&D) environment. Drive project execution, manage schedules, and ensure timely delivery to meet organizational goals and objectives
• Grow: Act as a hands-on mentor to the Engineering team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes creativity, innovation, and professional growth.
• Collaborate: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of electro-mechanical systems with other disciplines, driving alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and product development.
• Design: Implement industry best practices and cutting-edge technologies in mechanical engineering, ensuring excellence in research, design, analysis/simulation, and testing.
• Plan & Develop: Define technical requirements, oversee the development of critical components, lead design reviews, source key materials, and manage rigorous systems testing. Enhance team efficiency and effectiveness by:
  • Establishing clear objectives for the department and team members.
  • Conducting regular one-on-one meetings, developing personalized growth plans, and leading performance evaluations.
  • Identify and acquire necessary resources (e.g., software tools, equipment, consultants, personnel) to maximize team capabilities. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in research, design, and development of complex fluid/gas electro-mechanical systems, including assembly, integration, and developmental testing.
• Proven ability to size and select key system components, including compression/vacuum pumps, control valves, heat exchangers, ASME pressure vessels, flow meters, piping, and sensors (pressure, temperature, humidity, gas).
• Strong familiarity with industry standards and regulations such as ASTM, SAE, MIL-Spec, and other applicable guidelines.
• 7 years of experience leading and developing high-performing engineering teams, driving complex hardware design and development projects from concept to production.
• Hands-on experience in system testing, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure mitigation strategies. 

Preferred Requirements: 

• Experience in large modular process skid design.
• Expertise in gas separation system design, including PSA, VSA, and cycle process design.
• Knowledge of filtration techniques for removing particles and water from gas streams.
• Background in large industrial engine systems.
• Experience in water separation from gas streams.
• Proficiency in gas compression, storage, and refrigeration systems.
• Familiarity with FEA, CFD, and other computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools.  

Here’s what we value:

• Mission First: We are laser-focused on our mission. We have chosen to take on the defining challenge of our time, and we don’t shy away from the hard decisions required to put our mission first, no matter how tough. The world needs our technology and it won’t happen any time soon if we don’t make it happen. We are a low-ego team, and we prioritize the mission over our self-interest. We think strategically with an eye to the long term, and we clearly separate what must be done well now, and what can be improved later, despite ambiguity.
• Burning Urgency: Our hard-core intensity and work ethic match the crisis we’re in. We have a strong bias toward action, and we execute with focus and speed. In the absence of guidance, we take charge, lead our teammates, and accomplish our goals. We aren’t afraid to change course when something isn’t working, and we find solutions even when it seems like there are none. We are cool under pressure, and our quiet determination and drive are unwavering. We relentlessly push ourselves and each other to improve. We don’t accept adequate performance. Excellence is the expectation. Many would say our standards are unreasonably high, and many would say our goals are unreasonably bold, but we are hungry to be exceptional. We will never give up, no matter what. If we get knocked down, we get back up, every time. We will not fail.
• Uncompromising Honesty: We are always honest with ourselves, our teammates, our customers, our investors, our suppliers, our communities, and all of our partners, especially about what’s not going well and what we don’t know. When we see issues, risks, or challenges, we speak up, and when we make mistakes, we admit them proactively and take full accountability. We challenge others directly when we disagree, even when it’s uncomfortable, and we seek this uncompromising honesty from others.
• Treat People Exceptionally Well: We care intensely about everyone who is on this mission with us, and our standard is exceptional respect for our teammates, partners, and communities. Teammates who bring different perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our success, and we empower everyone to share their voice. We listen to truly understand. We constantly encourage and help our teammates, and inspire each other with our enthusiasm and optimism.
• Joyful Curiosity: We love to learn, and we learn quickly. We explore the unknown with wonder and excitement. We reason from first principles. We generate original ideas with an open mind and test them quickly in the real world. We take risks and adapt as we discover more. We explore many ideas in parallel, and we don’t count on a silver bullet solution. We share our ideas freely with our teammates. We are skeptical about conventional wisdom, and we question every assumption and requirement. We are always looking for ways to simplify. We are rigorous and attentive to detail. We are eager to understand all aspects of our business and technology, and we contribute effectively outside our individual specialties. We never stop learning.

Logistics:

• Location: Wixom, MI
• Start date: Immediately

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $151,000 - $217,500
• Competitive Stock Options
• Healthcare (Aetna)
• Retirement (401k)
• Student loan assistance
• Three Weeks of paid time off
• Eleven Holidays off 
• Dependent care assistance (childcare or eldercare)
• Parental leave
• Unlimited sick and compassionate leave
• Employee development and coaching
• Office setup (remote) or relocation (in-person) stipend