Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job description

**Empower Your Future:** At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on manufacturing conveyance systems, you'll join a dynamic team designing the mechanical equipment that enables continuous production of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire. Your work will directly influence manufacturing throughput, product quality, equipment reliability, and the scalability of one of the world's most advanced reel-to-reel manufacturing operations. Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the design, development, testing, and integration of conveyance systems and mechanical equipment that transport superconducting tape throughout MetOx's continuous manufacturing process. Working closely with Equipment Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Process Engineering, this role combines advanced mechanical engineering, precision machine design, automation, and product development to optimize material handling, web transport, and equipment performance while supporting the commercialization of next-generation superconducting technologies. **Key Responsibilities** Engineering - Leads the design and development of conveyance systems that transport superconducting tape throughout MetOx's reel-to-reel manufacturing process, including web handling, strip guidance, tension control, winding systems, precision rollers, spooling equipment, and material transfer mechanisms. - Applies advanced mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges related to precision material transport, continuous motion, machine reliability, equipment integration, and manufacturing performance. - Designs and executes mechanical validation and performance testing to evaluate conveyance accuracy, repeatability, equipment reliability, throughput, and overall system capability. - Prepares detailed engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, equipment layouts, assembly procedures, test protocols, and technical reports to communicate design concepts, validation results, and engineering recommendations. - Procures fabrication of custom conveyance equipment, precision mechanical assemblies, fixtures, and production tooling that meet engineering specifications and project timelines. - Evaluates conveyance architectures, drive systems, bearings, rollers, linear motion components, automation strategies, and equipment integration concepts to support future manufacturing expansion. - Develops engineering cost models and evaluates design alternatives to improve manufacturability, equipment reliability, maintenance, and long-term operating performance. - Identifies opportunities to improve conveyance reliability, material flow, equipment uptime, manufacturing throughput, and product quality while contributing to operational excellence initiatives. Project Management - Owns conveyance engineering projects from concept through implementation, including machine design, prototype development, commissioning, production validation, and manufacturing deployment. - Leads or contributes to cross-functional design reviews, integrating conveyance systems into broader manufacturing equipment, automation platforms, and production infrastructure. - Tracks project progress, manages technical risks, coordinates resources, and ensures timely delivery of engineering work. - Collaborates with internal engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and strategic partners to support successful equipment development and deployment. Mentorship - Provides technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers. - Participates in peer reviews and helps shape engineering best practices and equipment design standards. - Other duties as assigned. **Minimum Qualifications:** - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. - Four years of experience in an engineering role involving machine design, manufacturing equipment, conveyance systems, or automated production systems. - An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level. - Experience designing, building, commissioning, or supporting precision manufacturing equipment. - Demonstrated experience with rotating equipment, motion systems, web handling, continuous material transport, or similar mechanical systems. **Preferred Qualifications:** - Experience leading engineering projects involving manufacturing equipment, automation, or conveyance systems. - Experience designing reel-to-reel, web handling, winding, converting, wire, cable, battery, semiconductor, film, or other continuous manufacturing equipment. - Experience with servo-driven systems, precision motion control, robotics, machine vision, or industrial automation. - Experience performing machine design for reliability, maintainability, and high-volume manufacturing environments. - Experience collaborating directly with equipment vendors, integrators, or external engineering partners. **Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:** - Deep technical competence in machine design, conveyance systems, manufacturing equipment, and precision mechanical assemblies. - Strong understanding of continuous manufacturing processes, web handling, tension management, and material transport. - Hands-on prototyping, equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and manufacturing support experience. - Strong communication and technical documentation skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and multidisciplinary engineering organizations. - Ability to work independently while managing complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced research, development, and manufacturing environment. **Physical Demands:** This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs. MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including: - Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of the month following your start date - 401(k) match - Paid parental leave & adoption assistance - Educational reimbursement - And more! - Relocation assistance available *We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.*