Principal Mechanical Engineer

As a Principal Engineer, you'll be pivotal in developing first of a kind in-field pyrolysis systems from design through development. This role has the unique opportunity to create equipment that can make a real positive impact on soil health and climate change.  

This is a full-time onsite position in our Houston, Texas office. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise in product design, planning, simulation, testing, and manufacturing
• Oversee and lead advanced concept generation. Evaluate concept design, functionality, and performance.
• Champion and execute the company’s technology objectives to realize the planned and stated key results for product and customer success
• Translate innovative ideas into detailed engineering designs, utilizing advanced CAD/CAE software and engineering principles
• Provide input and direction on Product and Technology Roadmaps, advise on resource gaps and needs to execute against roadmaps
• Collaborate closely with both executive and cross-functional teams, including fabrication, operations, and sales, to problem-solve critical technical issues and ensure seamless product launch and market readiness
• Ensure successful implementation and resolution of any post-launch issues
• Answer difficult technical questions and solve complex problems that have a broad impact on the business
• Finalize Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Conduct rigorous DFM assessments to identify and address any production bottlenecks or cost overruns, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to mass production.
• Research advanced technologies in the market, follow industry-specific technology trends, and lead new product/technology project development, as well as identify and execute research projects supporting product development projects and the Product Roadmap
• Ensure that all products have adequate written product specifications and meet specification requirements. Ensure prints, documentation, and testing verification methods are in place to properly source and approve the product.
• Review and document technical feasibility evaluations, qualification, field, and competitive testing to verify compliance with design
• Develop and implement best practices, processes, and process improvements for the engineering team relevant to product design, documentation, and testing
• Introduce new tools and techniques to improve and streamline new product development. Organize, facilitate, and/or conduct training on new software packages and development methods.
• Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or other Engineering discipline
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Significant pyrolysis or high-temp biomass energy conversion expertise
• Experience with designing and building large, complex, mobile industrial equipment, with a keen focus on dynamic chemical reactions at high temperatures  
• Experience designing and manufacturing commercial equipment primarily using structural materials of steel, steel alloys, and nonmetallic and nonconductive insulations
• Experience with delivering technical solutions in modeling and testing combustion reactions of controlled and metered atmospheres and using integrated predictive control algorithms
• CAD and CAM, a medium to heavy user of either or all these tools: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX CAD/CAM Siemens, or other similar high performance integrated software applications
• Prior success scaling pilot projects up to commercial scale
• Experience in making critical, foundational decisions, providing sound technical direction with the ability to communicate effectively
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and evidence of personal commitment to making a positive impact on soil health and climate change
• Experience leading and managing teams
• A familiarity with standard safety best practices
• Prior startup experience or ability to work in a fast-paced environment with challenging deadlines
• Preferred experience in modeling and dynamic simulations experience in either or all: Ansys, Aspen Plus, and MATLAB, with special interest in stoichiometric combustion modeling and algorithm development using Python-based predictive modeling solutions

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options 
• Health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible vacation & time-off policy
• Relocation assistance 
• 401(k) with match