Principal Mechanical Engineer, System Design

Via Separations•Watertown, MA

11d•$126,000 - $155,000

About The Position

Via Separations is a Boston-area startup dedicated to enabling process efficiency and intensification for the industrial sector. In 2024, Via delivered its first commercial facility and changed the narrative around market-driven energy technologies that drive value for industrial customers. At the intersection of engineering, society, and impact, our team is passionate about making a difference and building the technology and organization to do it. We are a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team backed by leading venture capital firms, and we are looking to add talented, mission-driven people to our cohort. We are passionate about transformative impact, optimistic about scientific progress, and unafraid of hard problems. We believe that our people are our unfair advantage, and drive our mission forward. We embrace the diversity of our team for creative solutions and believe the best ideas come from the intersection of disciplines and perspectives. We want you to join us! Role Description As the Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be the technical lead responsible for the analysis, modeling, design, drafting, and development of our commercial membrane systems. You will be an integral member of the cross-disciplinary engineering team and work alongside our external engineering partners to bring both our pilot scale and commercial systems to fruition. The role involves supporting, studying, understanding, and executing upon detailed project requirements and specifications. This position has a focus on leading the comprehensive design, analysis, and implementation of modular, skid-mounted integrated process systems , specializing in mechanical, structural, and piping systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience leading the mechanical and structural design of complex, skid-mounted process systems for capital projects.
Experience with Skid-Mounted Equipment or Modular Process Packages is essential.
Proficiency with an integrated 3D piping and structural CAD system (e.g., Autodesk Plant3d, SolidWorks with Routing, Inventor).
Deep working knowledge of structural steel design principles and welding requirements.
Familiarity with commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a design/manufacturing
Strong ability to manage time and quickly shifting priorities
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
A clear interest in sustainability
Some travel (up to 25%) may be required
In the event a field site requires entry screening, a background check and/or drug screen may be required
US work authorization is required for this role

Nice To Haves

Desired experience in large industrial scale equipment (e.g. oil & gas, chemical processing, membranes or separation processes)
Familiarity with ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and American Petroleum Institute ( API ) standards a plus
Experience in engineering document management is desirable but not necessary

Responsibilities

Lead Design & Development Lead commercial engineering design efforts for Via membrane systems.
Lead the development, refinement, and optimization of project-specific equipment design packages, with a focus on the skidded equipment package.
Design process piping, equipment layout, and interconnecting mechanical components within the modular frame.
Aid in equipment specifications, vendor documentation, and bill of materials.
Structural Design & Compliance Develop the Structural Skid Frame design, including beam sizing, bracing, and lift point calculations.
Perform basic Structural Analysis (hand calculations or FEA) to ensure compliance with transportation and lifting requirements.
Create detailed General Arrangement (GA) and fabrication drawings for the complete skid package.
Ensure designs meet applicable codes (e.g., AISC, ASME B31.3, AWS D1.1).
Fabrication, Quality, & Installation Lead the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) process and perform routine progress checks at manufacturing partner facilities to ensure build quality and schedule adherence.
Review and assist in on-site plant installation (SAT) to ensure the skid system is correctly assembled, aligned, and integrated into the customer's facility according to design specifications.
Expertise & Collaboration As a subject matter expert, provide engineering support, training, and guidance to Via team members and relevant engineering partners.
Work with external engineering partners and vendors to ensure compliance with Via Engineering design, budget, and project timelines.