Senior Mechanical Engineer, Pyrolysis
About The Position
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be based at Charm's Fort Lupton facility and design the next generation of pyrolysis technology, implement and troubleshoot mechanical systems in production, and collaborate with engineering, fabrication, technician, and operations teams. The role includes designing mechanical systems; selecting electromechanical actuators, sensors, pumps, and related equipment; and improving pyrolysis and biomass-processing equipment. The engineer will help build and test designs, work with the testing team to verify design intent, and update legacy systems to validate new design pathways and subsystems. The position also provides mechanical and systems troubleshooting support for production equipment to help achieve production and throughput goals. The successful candidate enjoys taking designs from concept through testing and commissioning, delivers robust solutions for real-world operating conditions, and uses root-cause analysis to address performance issues. The role calls for analytical problem solving, adaptability, and a constructive attitude in a fast-paced environment. This position reports to the Lead Pyrolysis Engineer based in Fort Lupton, Colorado.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5–8 years of seasoned mechanical design experience.
- CAD knowledge; the company uses OnShape.
- Experience reviewing and releasing detailed fabrication and assembly drawings, with strong attention to detail and configuration control practices.
- Skill in heat-transfer modes, sensor and actuator selection for robust operations, and developing project requirements from ambiguity.
- Knowledge of basic fabrication techniques and the design principles associated with them.
- Familiarity with piping standards, flange interfaces, gasket selection, and mechanical integration of process systems.
- Hands-on mechanical troubleshooting and assembly experience.
- Willingness to work hands-on with pyrolysis system components.
- Documentation skills that demonstrate the thought and design process behind improvements.
- Experience with electromechanical systems and material-handling design, such as conveyors, pumps, and blowers.
- Experience designing mechanical weldments under load and process pressure.
- Willingness to work with Electrical & Controls Engineers and fabricators to turn solutions into installed hardware, including implementing quick and long-term fixes to improve the pyrolysis system.
- Ability to communicate priorities and system progress and to work cross-functionally.
- Excitement about scaling hardware with potential to positively impact climate change.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Onshape modeling experience.
- Experience with process piping and vessel design in high-temperature or industrial environments.
- Experience designing operations-facing industrial equipment.
- Experience with 24/7 operations.
Responsibilities
- Design mechanical and electromechanical systems for the next-generation operations pyrolyzer, accounting for interfaces, operating requirements, operator burden, service, and maintenance.
- Identify technologies requiring research and development to simplify and redefine machine architecture, and use lessons from prior successes and failures to develop novel vessels and process steps.
- Work with the testing team to validate equipment performance before integration into operations.
- Work with process engineers to develop thermal and flow models that inform system design.
- Refine process piping and vessel mechanisms to deliver an industrial solution within the pyrolysis system.
- Identify and troubleshoot mechanical malfunctions and performance gaps, determine causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Develop and execute test plans and commissioning campaigns for production hardware, taking ownership of design validation before and after installation.
- Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and other mechanical engineers to integrate mechanical systems into the broader pyrolysis package.
- Provide on-call production support as needed when the Engineering Technician group needs help resolving critical Operations problems.
Benefits
- Equity ownership through stock options.
- 100% of employee healthcare premiums covered.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
- Employer-funded HSA contributions for eligible HDHP plans.
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 50% match on contributions up to 6%.
- Paid leave, including parental and medical leave.
- PPE and workwear allowances.
- Annual professional development stipend.
- Employee recognition programs.
- Opportunities for internal growth, career development, and transition into climate work.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
