Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sora Fuel Corporation•Cambridge, MA

16h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering
15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, with a proven track record of taking complex physical systems from concept to successful field operation.
Direct prior experience designing and scaling electrochemical systems, grid-scale battery systems, or closely related multi-phase physical-chemical technology.
Deep knowledge of diverse fabrication methods (machining, welding, sheet metal, custom casting) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Expert proficiency in 3D modeling and product data management software (e.g., SolidWorks) alongside Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and thermal optimization.
Must anticipate risks, speaking up about hazards, and prioritize long-term safety over short-term speed.
Ability to communicate effectively and work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
Alignment with our core values of transparency, diversity, collaboration, valuing people and development, and work ethic.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with carbon capture equipment, electrochemical cells, or chemical process piping (ASME B31.3).
Background in skid design and modular industrial plant layouts.
Experience selecting and integrating industrial balance-of-plant components, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and high-purity piping systems.
Prior experience working in fast-paced, venture-backed hardware startups or highly innovative R&D environments.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the mechanical design, layout, and structural integration of the carbonate electrolysis system.
Translate bench-scale and custom-component designs into a fully functional, containerized, or skid-mounted industrial pilot plant.
Design and optimize piping, custom manifolds, fluid delivery networks and thermal management loops.
Select, vet, and manage external EPCs, machine shops, and component suppliers to ensure rapid, high-quality fabrication.
Partner closely with Chemical Engineers, Chemists, Mechanical and Electrical to ensure flawless mechanical-to-process integration.
Must have a safety mindsetOversee compliance with relevant pressure vessel, piping, and industrial safety codes (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII).
Build, test, troubleshoot, and commission the pilot plant alongside the field team.
Formulate test plans, mechanical commissioning procedures, and safety checklists for newly fabricated platforms.
Analyze physical test data to iterate and optimize subsequent hardware designs.