Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems - Remora

Remora is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer who will lead the development of the vacuum subsystem in the Remora mobile carbon capture device from concept through production. This role will oversee requirement generation, component development, component sourcing, and systems testing, ensuring design deliverables meet aggressive timelines.

We’re a 50-person climate tech startup based in Detroit, MI. We're building a device that captures a semi-truck’s carbon emissions directly from the tailpipe. We'll sell the CO2 to end-users, and share that revenue with our customers, so our device will create a new revenue stream while reducing their emissions.

We've signed up some of the largest companies in the world to pilot our technology, including iconic multibillion-dollar brands, top trucking companies, and some of the most recognizable Fortune 100 companies. We’ve raised multiple rounds of funding from top investors like Lowercarbon Capital, Union Square Ventures, First Round Capital, Y Combinator, and Valor Equity Partners.

Responsibilities:

• Design: Generate detailed requirements and provide design direction for vacuum pumps, piping layouts, and related components, ensuring compliance with industry standards and Remora’s high-performance benchmarks. Identify, optimize and implement innovative designs for vacuum systems to improve energy efficiency, flow performance, and system reliability. Analyze vacuum system performance through simulation, testing, and diagnostics.
• Plan & Develop: Lead design reviews, create analytical and computational models, and develop DFMEA/DVP&Rs, including bench and system testing plans, pre-production verification and validation, and design release. Establish strategies, timelines, and goals for vacuum subsystem.
• Execute: Drive the research and development of vacuum systems and subsystems with a focus on vacuum pumps, seals, piping, and control systems, collaborating with subject matter experts and suppliers. Ensure high performance, efficiency, and durability of vacuum components under rigorous operating conditions.
• Grow: Mentor and support less experienced team members in vacuum system design, analysis, and testing while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Collaborate: Serve as the main point of contact for vacuum subsystems, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to ensure seamless system integration.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience with significant focus on vacuum systems and vacuum pump technology
• Deep expertise in the design, development, and integration of vacuum pumps, including rotary vane, dry screw, liquid ring and other industrial vacuum technologies
• Strong knowledge of vacuum system components such as seals, valves, piping, and controls
• Experience leading engineering teams to achieve design deliverables in an R&D environment
• Proven ability to analyze vacuum system performance using simulation and experimental data to optimize designs
• Experience with supplier collaboration to source and validate vacuum systems and components
• Ability to make rapid, informed decisions under conditions of significant uncertainty

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with large-scale industrial systems involving heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and interconnected piping
• Familiarity with advanced vacuum technologies, including high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum systems
• Knowledge of liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide handling and storage
• Experience with P&ID creation and maintenance for complex vacuum and fluid systems
• 5+ years of R&D experience working on first-of-its-kind hardware systems with challenging timelines
• Strong CAD skills (3D and 2D), CAE/FEA/CFD simulation, and vacuum flow modeling experience
• Background in heavy-duty vehicles, industrial systems, or mobile applications
• Prior experience at a venture-backed startup

Here’s what we value:

• Mission First: We are laser-focused on our mission. We have chosen to take on the defining challenge of our time, and we don’t shy away from the hard decisions required to put our mission first, no matter how tough. The world needs our technology and it won’t happen any time soon if we don’t make it happen. We are a low-ego team, and we prioritize the mission over our self-interest. We think strategically with an eye to the long term, and we clearly separate what must be done well now, and what can be improved later, despite ambiguity.
• Burning Urgency: Our hard-core intensity and work ethic match the crisis we’re in. We have a strong bias toward action, and we execute with focus and speed. In the absence of guidance, we take charge, lead our teammates, and accomplish our goals. We aren’t afraid to change course when something isn’t working, and we find solutions even when it seems like there are none. We are cool under pressure, and our quiet determination and drive are unwavering. We relentlessly push ourselves and each other to improve. We don’t accept adequate performance. Excellence is the expectation. Many would say our standards are unreasonably high, and many would say our goals are unreasonably bold, but we are hungry to be exceptional. We will never give up, no matter what. If we get knocked down, we get back up, every time. We will not fail.
• Uncompromising Honesty: We are always honest with ourselves, our teammates, our customers, our investors, our suppliers, our communities, and all of our partners, especially about what’s not going well and what we don’t know. When we see issues, risks, or challenges, we speak up, and when we make mistakes, we admit them proactively and take full accountability. We challenge others directly when we disagree, even when it’s uncomfortable, and we seek this uncompromising honesty from others.
• Treat People Exceptionally Well: We care intensely about everyone who is on this mission with us, and our standard is exceptional respect for our teammates, partners, and communities. Teammates who bring different perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our success, and we empower everyone to share their voice. We listen to truly understand. We constantly encourage and help our teammates, and inspire each other with our enthusiasm and optimism.
• Joyful Curiosity: We love to learn, and we learn quickly. We explore the unknown with wonder and excitement. We reason from first principles. We generate original ideas with an open mind and test them quickly in the real world. We take risks and adapt as we discover more. We explore many ideas in parallel, and we don’t count on a silver bullet solution. We share our ideas freely with our teammates. We are skeptical about conventional wisdom, and we question every assumption and requirement. We are always looking for ways to simplify. We are rigorous and attentive to detail. We are eager to understand all aspects of our business and technology, and we contribute effectively outside our individual specialties. We never stop learning.

Logistics

• Location: Wixom, MI
• Start date: Immediately.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $140,000 - $200,000
• Competitive Stock Options
• Healthcare (Aetna)
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement (401k)
• Student loan assistance
• Three Weeks of paid time off
• Eleven Holidays off
• Dependent care assistance (childcare or eldercare)
• Parental leave
• Unlimited sick and compassionate leave
• Employee development and coaching
• Office setup (remote) or relocation (in-person) stipend

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to think they are qualified for a position after reading a list of requirements like the one above. If you are worried that you are not qualified, please apply anyway! We’re most excited to work with people who learn quickly and want to tackle the climate crisis.