Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer
Who We Are

Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.

Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lower carbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.

As our Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, development, and commercialization of electrochemical cell and stack hardware that powers our cutting-edge technologies. We are seeking an engineer with strong fundamentals and hands-on experience who can take ownership of mechanical designs from early concept through production.

As part of a small and agile team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across product development. You will report directly to the Head of Product Development and collaborate closely with R&D, systems, and manufacturing partners.

• Design Ownership: Serve as the mechanical design owner for components, assemblies, and test equipment supporting electrochemical cells and stacks
• Requirements to Production: Own products end-to-end, from requirements definition and concept generation through detailed design and production implementation
• Research & Benchmarking: Independently research, benchmark, and evaluate technologies and suppliers to inform design decisions
• Risk Identification: Identify, assess, and manage technical risks, developing novel test strategies and mitigation plans
• Engineering Analysis: Generate and evaluate design concepts using first-principles engineering analysis, simulations, and rapid prototyping techniques
• Testing & Validation: Develop and execute test plans; design, build, and commission custom test equipment as needed
• Prototyping / Fabrication: Prototype / Fabricate and test components and assemblies on-site and at supplier facilities
• Supplier
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Identify, assess, and work directly with R&D and Commercial manufacturing partners to deliver prototype and production-intent hardware
• Data-Driven Iteration: Analyze experimental and field data to guide design iterations, validation, and performance improvements
• Project Management: Manage technical projects and coordinate schedules across internal teams and external suppliers
• Systems Definition: Define product-, system-, and project-level requirements in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent industry experience)
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  3–5 years of relevant industry experience
• CAD & PDM Expertise: Expert-level proficiency in CAD and PDM systems;
  Onshape experience strongly preferred
• Design for Reliability: Demonstrated experience designing hardware for safety, long service life, and reliability in harsh environments, including high-temperature and corrosive conditions
• Engineering Documentation: Ability to produce professional engineering documentation such as PRDs, design reviews, project plans, and fabrication drawings utilizing GD&T
• Test Equipment Design: Hands-on experience designing and building test equipment for mechanical and electrical characterization of components and assemblies
• Startup
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience in a hardware startup environment, from technology development through implementation preferred
• Electrochemical Hardware: Commercial-scale electrochemical cell or stack mechanical design experience preferred
• $115,000 - $140,000 salary range plus equity, commensurate with experience
• Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
• 401(k) plan and additional…