Mechanical Engineer

Oleo Sustainable Palm Oil Solutions • Berkeley, CA

32d • $110,000

About The Position

Oleo is an early-stage biomanufacturing company developing a platform to produce carbon-negative oil feedstocks for advanced fuel production. Our technology combines microwave hydrolysis and microbial fermentation to convert biomass waste into oil feedstocks, addressing a $21B market. Oleo’s platform reduces cost exposure and improves supply chain stability for energy producers, with a targeted ~22% cost reduction compared to incumbent seed oils. This technology was developed by Oleo’s founders at Stanford University and is in the process of being scaled to the 300L setting at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Oleo is supported by Activate, DOE Leep @ Cyclotron Road, and BEAM Circular, and has received investment from Gener8tor, Safar Partners, Alpine Social Ventures, Collab Fund, and G-Force.

As the Mechanical Engineer, you will design and build the custom microwave applicator housing and biomass slurry delivery system required to operate at industrial throughput. You will translate RF design requirements into a manufacturable, robust reactor system capable of handling abrasive, high-solids biomass slurries at scale.

This is a hands-on role spanning design, prototyping, fabrication oversight, and commissioning.

Requirements

• MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years experience in industrial equipment, reactor design, or process systems
• Experience designing fluid handling systems (slurries preferred)
• Strong CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or similar)
• Experience with material selection for thermal and chemical environments
• Familiarity with industrial fabrication methods
• Hands-on build and troubleshooting experience

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer a custom microwave applicator vessel based on RF requirements
• Develop a continuous biomass slurry delivery system capable of 600 kg/hr throughput
• Design pumping, mixing, and flow control systems for high-solids biomass slurries
• Select materials compatible with microwave exposure, thermal cycling, and chemical conditions
• Design pressure-rated and temperature-rated systems as required
• Develop sealing, containment, and shielding solutions
• Ensure uniform flow distribution to complement homogeneous microwave heating, potentially including mechanical agitator design
• Create detailed CAD models and fabrication drawings
• Work with contract manufacturers and machine shops
• Lead system assembly, installation, and commissioning
• Implement safety systems and industrial design best practices

Benefits

• Annual salary of $110,000 with potential for expanded responsibilities and corresponding compensation growth as the company advances through the seed stage.
• Company equity.
• Healthcare and dental insurance.
• Competitive PTO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior