Staff Mechanical Engineer (Electrochemical Systems)

Voya Energy is commercializing a groundbreaking metal-based fuel to rapidly deploy reliable, clean, affordable electricity anywhere on Earth. Our breakthrough technology allows us to convert abundant, high-energy, recycled metals into a powerful, safe, durable fuel. We are also creating a foundational new category of energy generation devices, delivering fast access to power, free from the limitations of the grid. We are assembling a highly-experienced team of visionary founders, tenacious researchers, multi-disciplinary first principles engineers, battle-tested operators and world-class investors to deliver on Voya's ambitious mission. Join us in fueling our electric future.

Position Summary

Voya Energy is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of complex fluid systems and precision mechanisms essential to the development and scaling of our metal-fueled generator technology. The ideal candidate has a hands-on approach based on engineering first principles and industry experience, a deep understanding of fluid mechanics as it applies to industrial/power/aerospace applications, and extensive experience in bringing hardware (components, sub-assemblies, top-level assemblies) through a complete workflow: conceptual trades/design, CAD, development and eventually to production. Collaboration with power electronics, automation, data and controls is essential.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design: Lead the design of precision mechanisms, material conveyance and fluid-handling systems blending both commercial and custom components with Voya Energy IP.
• Own the mechanical design and integration of balance of plant systems, including fluid handling and thermal management, for Voya’s electrochemical generators.
• CAD Ownership: Create and manage individual components through large assembly CAD models that encompass static structure, material transfer, and integration of fluidic systems. Also, own integration of power electronics, instrumentation and safety systems.
• Fluid Systems Engineering: Apply working knowledge of fluid mechanics and heat transfer to optimize system performance, including pump and blower selection, piping layout, heat exchanger sizing and pressure drop analysis. Notebook, spreadsheet and computational modeling as required.
• Component Specification: Select and specify critical hardware, including pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, valves, and sensors. Understand the trades involved to determine if custom or commercially available is appropriate. Interface directly with suppliers/fabricators from initial outreach through product delivery.
• Instrumentation & Controls: Integrate, install, and troubleshoot system instrumentation (pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples).
• P&ID: Own the creation, revision and configuration management of sub-system and top-level P&ID documentation using industry standard formatting.
• Manufacturing & DFM: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create detailed fabrication drawings and work instructions, utilizing GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to ensure manufacturability (machining, welding, sheet metal), with consideration for installation, maintenance and repair work flows.
• Testing & Validation: Develop test plans and perform development testing for verification and validation of assemblies.
• Document assembly and operating procedures for new equipment and systems.
• Directly support design, test readiness and test data reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant industry experience in mechanical design and system development.
• Experience designing and integrating balance of plant systems for electrochemical or similar process equipment, including fluid handling and thermal management.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or Creo) with experience in large assemblies. Demonstrated experience working in PDM and/or PLM environments.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
• Hands-on experience specifying pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, and valves. Demonstrated experience with installation, operation and trouble-shooting of equipment is highly desired.
• Experience with development testing, failure analysis, and debugging complex systems. The successful candidate will own and drive documentation and configuration management.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing methods and Design for Manufacturability.
• Comfortable working in an environment based on accountability: scope, schedule, budget, 2-way feedback and collaboration.
• Familiar with modern engineering collaboration toolsets: Confluence,, Slack, Asana, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with FEA and/or CFD.
• Demonstrated experience reading electrical schematics/drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, start-up environment. Hands-on and biased towards action.

Location: Hayward, CA. Full-time onsite.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and equity compensation commensurate with experience
• Unlimited PTO
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan