Design Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Engineer who can take ownership of mechanical systems from concept to on-site execution. This role requires not only strong technical capability, but also clear communication, outcome-driven execution, and active leadership on the workshop floor.

This position is best suited for engineers who thrive in startup environments, where priorities evolve quickly and progress is measured by tangible results rather than documentation alone.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Thermal System Design

• Design and engineer high-temperature components including reactors, heat exchangers, containment vessels, and auxiliary systems.
• Select appropriate materials such as stainless steel alloys, ceramics, and refractories suitable for high-temperature and abrasive environments.
• Translate conceptual designs into practical, buildable solutions.

2. Material Handling Systems

• Design and improve systems for continuous feeding and discharge of biomass, biochar, and solid residues.
• Work with augers, hoppers, conveyors, airlocks, and other bulk material handling equipment.
• Ensure designs are robust, maintainable, and suitable for workshop fabrication.

3. Mechanical Integration

• Integrate mechanical systems with instrumentation, sensors, electrical systems, and automation.
• Coordinate closely with process and electrical engineers to ensure system compatibility and safety.
• Maintain system-level thinking rather than isolated component design.

4. System Testing & Validation

• Lead and participate directly in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Validate designs against performance, safety, and operational requirements.
• Identify issues early and propose practical corrective actions.

5. Workshop Leadership & Execution

• Actively manage and coordinate technicians and workshop workers during fabrication and installation.
• Clearly communicate task objectives, execution steps, and expected outcomes.
• Proactively assign work, follow up on progress, and remove execution bottlenecks.

6. Outcome-Driven Execution

• Prioritize work based on impact, urgency, and project milestones.
• Avoid over-engineering; balance technical detail with speed of execution.
• Convert engineering effort into measurable progress and deliverables.

7. Supplier & Fabrication Coordination

• Work with fabricators, suppliers, and vendors to ensure components are manufactured to specification.
• Review drawings, fabrication quality, and delivery timelines.
• Resolve issues quickly to keep projects moving forward.

8. Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare essential mechanical drawings, BOMs, risk assessments, and engineering documentation.
• Maintain documentation at a level appropriate for fast iteration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with basic safety and operational standards.

Requirements

Technical Background

For Experienced Candidates (Preferred):

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in high-temperature equipment, material handling systems, or industrial process equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design for harsh, abrasive, and high-temperature operating environments.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
• Experience working directly with fabrication shops, workshop teams, and on-site installation.

For Fresh Graduates (Also Welcome):

• Recent graduates in Mechanical Engineering or related fields who demonstrate strong self-learning capability and technical curiosity.
• Ability to learn independently every day and develop skills in mechanical design, fabrication, testing, and problem-solving in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Willingness to work hands-on in workshop conditions and grow rapidly alongside a lean engineering organization.
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and eagerness to take ownership of tasks from concept through execution.

Execution & Communication Skills

• Ability to clearly communicate work status, progress, and blockers.
• Comfortable reporting incomplete work, issues, and uncertainties early.
• Capable of aligning with cross-functional teams and maintaining workflow continuity.

Leadership Capability

• Demonstrated experience managing technicians or workshop personnel.
• Willingness to take ownership of execution, not only design.
• Comfortable making practical decisions on the ground.

Mindset & Work Style (Critical)

This role requires a mindset aligned with a startup execution model:

• Outcome-focused: Values progress and learning over perfect designs.
• Highly proactive: Seeks work, identifies gaps, and drives solutions independently.
• Transparent communicator: Shares status, problems, and delays early.
• Adaptable: Comfortable with changing priorities and rapid iteration.
• Hands-on: Willing to spend time in the workshop, testing and refining systems.
• High ownership: Treats projects as personal responsibility, not just assigned tasks.
• Flexible effort: Willing to contribute beyond standard hours when required to meet critical milestones.