Direct message the job poster from Smush Materials CEO and co-founder @SMUSH Materials | Plug and Play Tech Center '24 We are looking for a dynamic Mechanical/Automation R&D Engineer to bridge the gap between groundbreaking pilot-scale production and full industrialization. In this pivotal role, you will drive the development and optimization of processes for our cutting-edge mycelium-based materials and packaging, ensuring they are efficient, reproducible, and scalable. You’ll have the chance to design and develop innovative machinery, playing a key role in scaling up our processes to pilot production. Additionally, you’ll partner with our Design team to integrate product requirements into scalable manufacturing processes, ensuring that creativity and practicality work hand-in-hand. Collaborate with the R&D team to develop, scale, and optimize production processes for mycelium-based materials. Transition from pilot processes to industrial-scale production, focusing on automation, machinery, and workflows. Troubleshoot pilot systems, enhance throughput, and propose engineering solutions. Design new custom machinery or adapt existing ones to meet the needs of mycelium-based production systems. Develop and validate new unit operations specific to mycelium growth or post-processing and new tools necessary for unique bioprocessing needs. Define and refine operational parameters to ensure quality and consistency. Select and evaluate equipment for large-scale production Apply Lean Manufacturing and sustainability practices to reduce waste and improve efficiency, and maintain alignment with sustainability goals. Document procedures, process flows, technical reports, and results, creating the groundwork for future full-scale production (plant design) Explore the integration of sensing and monitoring systems (e.g., environmental sensors, thermal probes) to control, automate, and optimize production in real-time. Smush is in its early stages, and you’ll play a pivotal role in scaling the company. As we grow, so will your responsibilities and career trajectory, with opportunities for leadership and executive roles as we expand our team and operations. Remember: this is ideal, although we know no one is perfect ;) 3 years of experience in process development, automation and process design, scale-up, or pilot plant operations, ideally within bio-based materials, fermentation, or sustainable manufacturing contexts. OR Previous experience (even academic) with lab-scale or custom-built experimental setups. Master’s degree (MSc) or PhD/Research in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronic engineering, or Materials Engineering, with a strong technical background and a maker mindset, eager to build and iterate quickly. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to implement Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies. Proven experience in machinery design or retrofitting, process automation, and process design, including familiarity with PLC programming, instrumentation for environmental monitoring, and IoT sensor integration. Commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation, with knowledge of circular economy principles, LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), and carbon footprint analysis. Excellent hands-on skills and curiosity in mechanics, electronics, or process tinkering. Comfort with rapid prototyping and iterative design approaches in ambiguous and evolving environments. Basic understanding of fluid dynamics, thermal exchange, or mechanical stress modeling. Background in bioproduction (biomaterials, natural polymers) or mycelium-based processes. Knowledge of plant layout, material handling, thermal management, and maintenance strategies. Familiarity with ISO/HACCP standards and quality documentation. Ability to interpret experimental data, conduct mass/energy balances, and use process simulation software (Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Python, or similar). Effective communication, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Experience collaborating with designers or creatives to align technical solutions with aesthetic/functionality goals. Familiarity with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or prototyping platforms. Willingness to get your hands dirty – both literally and metaphorically – in a bio-lab or workshop setting. Passion for emerging technologies, biofabrication, or sustainable manufacturing. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Management and Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Smush Materials by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Mechanical Specialist” roles. ASSISTENTE TECNICO - IMPIANTI TECNOLOGICI INSTALLATORE IMPIANTI ANTINCENDIO ELETTRICI E MECCANICI JUNIOR (ID-94919) ADDETTO/A ALLA PROGETTAZIONE MECCANICA: IMPIANTI INDUSTRIALI Agrate Brianza, Lombardy, Italy 12 hours ago MANUTENTORE MECCANICO AZIENDA CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA TECNICO ASSISTENZA E MANUTENZIONE IMPIANTI Novate Milanese, Lombardy, Italy 3 weeks ago Agrate Brianza, Lombardy, Italy 2 weeks ago Formula Regional Race Engineer – Italy – Motorsport – Salary: DOE We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. J-18808-Ljbffr