Founding​/Hardware Engineer Climate & Agriculture Tech Founding​/Hardware Engineer Climate

Founding / Hardware Engineer Climate & Agriculture Tech Job Description

Founding / Hardware Engineer (Contract) at Mvmnt-X, Inc. Hybrid 2 days ago

Location:

Berkeley, CA

Job Type: Part-Time/Full-Time, Founding / Team Member

Start Date:

May 2026 | End Date:
August 2026 (possibility to extend)

Salary:
Paid

Mvmnt-X is a mission-driven, early-stage deep climate tech startup building next‑generation reactor systems using microalgae to capture carbon 10x faster than a tree.

We are passionate, scrappy, builders, driven by science, mission, and impact.

We aim to capture waste before it enters the environment, recover and transform it into high‑value bioproducts, and lock them back into soils.

We are backed by early grants and are building out our core team. We need a mission‑driven Founding / Engineer to co‑lead design, development, and deployment of our algal cultivation and treatment systems, shaping technology and company from the ground up.

You will design, prototype, and scale next‑generation reactor systems for biological processes.

Responsibilities include developing integrated mechanical, electrical, sensing, and control systems for novel bioreactors and related infrastructure.

You will translate early ideas into proof‑of‑concept pilots and patentable innovations, laying groundwork for scalable carbon removal and on‑farm nutrient recovery.

• Design and develop bioreactor and process hardware systems, including vessels, fluid handling, gas delivery, fluid management, thermal management, sensors, and optical systems integration.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, and fabrication documentation for prototype and production‑ready systems.
• Develop electromechanical systems integrating pumps, valves, motors, sensors, actuators, PLCs, microcontrollers, and embedded controls.
• Design automated control architectures for monitoring and regulating biological and chemical process conditions.
• Prototype, assemble, and test reactor systems in laboratory and pilot‑scale environments.
• Conduct system characterization, troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, process, and data teams to translate process requirements into engineered systems.
• Support scale‑up from benchtop prototypes to pilot and commercial deployments.
• Evaluate materials compatibility, corrosion resistance, sterility, cleanability, and environmental durability.
• Develop test protocols, safety procedures, and validation documentation.
• Coordinate with external manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers on component sourcing and production.
• Maintain detailed engineering documentation, BOMs, and revision‑controlled design files.
• Work closely with the founding team on tech strategy, manufacturability, and IP.

• Bioreactors, fermentation systems, algae systems, wastewater treatment, chemical process equipment, or industrial fluid systems.
• Process automation and controls.
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and fluidic system design.
• Industrial sensors and instrumentation.
• Thermal systems, gas transfer, or mass transfer systems.
• Pilot plant or field‑deployed hardware systems.
• Rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience designing electromechanical or industrial process systems (startup or research experience considered).
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Solid Works, Fusion 360, or CATIA.
• Experience with prototyping, fabrication, machining, and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with controls systems, PLCs, embedded systems, or microcontroller platforms.
• Understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and systems integration.
• Experience with sensors, DAQ systems, and industrial communications protocols is preferred.
• Ability to work hands‑on in lab, pilot, and field environments.
• Strong problem‑solving, documentation, and cross‑functional communication skills.

• Experience with bioprocessing, environmental systems, or climate technology.
• CFD, FEA, or process simulation…