Principal Mechanical Engineer, System Design

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.

Responsibilities Include:

• 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. (Polished the second point to use the industry term 'SAT' (Site Acceptance Test) and clarify the integration focus.)

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

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following:

• 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
• Desired experience in large industrial scale equipment (e.g. oil & gas, chemical processing, membranes or separation processes)
• 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
• 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
• 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

We offer:

• Competitive compensation package, including equity options
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Disability & Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• 12+ weeks of paid Family Leave
• Paid Flex time off
• Paid time off for Company holidays

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Via may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role

At Via, we value and prioritize diversity of thought, access, and experiences, and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

In addition to the base salary listed above, Via's compensation package includes equity options and an annual performance bonus.