polymer
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Sora Fuel Corporation
Cambridge, USA
Full-time
Senior Level
Onsite
Discovered 1 months ago
Full Job Posting
Role
- Sora is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to spearhead the mechanical design,
- engineering, and fabrication of our First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- pilot plant.
- In this role, you will lead the physical realization of an integrated facility that combines novel
- Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a cutting-edge carbonate electrolysis system. You
- will own the electrolyzer mechanical architecture as we transition from our prototype system to a
- pilot system. You will take the design from concept through physical fabrication and
- commissioning, turning advanced chemical workflows into robust, operational industrial systems.
- As our Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will bridge the gap between complex
- electrochemical/chemical processes and robust industrial machinery. This is a role requiring deep
- technical expertise, a get it done mindset, and the ability to lead external vendors and lead and
- mentor internal team members
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering
- Experience: 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, with a proven track record of taking complex physical systems from concept to successful field operation.
- Technical Domain Expertise: Direct prior experience designing and scaling electrochemical systems, grid-scale battery systems, or closely related multi-phase physical-chemical technology.
- Manufacturing Fluency: Deep knowledge of diverse fabrication methods (machining, welding, sheet metal, custom casting) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- CAD Mastery: Expert proficiency in 3D modeling and product data management software (e.g., SolidWorks) alongside Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and thermal optimization.
- Safety Mindset: Must anticipate risks, speaking up about hazards, and prioritize long-term safety over short-term speed.
- Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
- Core Values: Alignment with our core values of transparency, diversity, collaboration, valuing people and development, and work ethic.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with carbon capture equipment, electrochemical cells, or chemical process piping (ASME B31.3).
- Background in skid design and modular industrial plant layouts.
- Process Equipment Knowledge: Experience selecting and integrating industrial balance-of-plant components, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and high-purity piping systems.
- Startup Agility: Prior experience working in fast-paced, venture-backed hardware startups or highly innovative R&D environments.
Mechanical Design And Engineering
- System Architecture: Responsible for the mechanical design, layout, and structural integration of the carbonate electrolysis system.
- Scale-Up Engineering: Translate bench-scale and custom-component designs into a fully functional, containerized, or skid-mounted industrial pilot plant.
- Thermal & Fluid Systems: Design and optimize piping, custom manifolds, fluid delivery networks and thermal management loops.
- Vendor & Fabricator Management: Select, vet, and manage external EPCs, machine shops, and component suppliers to ensure rapid, high-quality fabrication.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with Chemical Engineers, Chemists,
- Mechanical and Electrical to ensure flawless mechanical-to-process integration.
- Safety & Compliance: Must have a safety mindsetOversee compliance with relevant
- pressure vessel, piping, and industrial safety codes (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII).
- Hands-on Assembly & Commissioning: Build, test, troubleshoot, and commission the pilot plant alongside the field team.
- Testing & Validation: Formulate test plans, mechanical commissioning procedures, and safety checklists for newly fabricated platforms.
- Analysis: Analyze physical test data to iterate and optimize subsequent hardware designs.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
• Incentive Stock Options
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401k match
- Commuter benefits
About Sora Fuel Corporation
Renewable Energy14 employeesFounded 2024
Produces sustainable aviation fuel from air, water, and electricity.
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