Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Big Machines

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Big Machines

Do you want to design and build robust, industrial-scale machinery from the ground up? Join the Big Machines team at Redwood Materials, where we develop high-performance equipment—such as 200 ton kilns, meter long knife gates, rotary seals, and complex 30m+ conveyance systems—built to operate reliably at 900°C in some of the most corrosive, debris-laden environments on Earth.

Our team partners closely with engineering leadership to solve large-scale mechanical challenges as we scale cutting-edge technologies that drive the circular battery economy. By increasing the reach of recycled and sustainable materials, we are transforming the global battery supply chain. As a member of the Big Machines team, you’ll collaborate with high caliber engineers to design, fabricate, and deploy critical production assets. We’re looking for creative problem solvers who can tackle complex mechanical systems—people who think both tactically and strategically to deliver durable, long-term solutions. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on the future of sustainable manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Design, build, and activation of low-volume custom machinery and infrastructure. 
• Collaborate with production engineering to debug existing equipment and manufacturing processes to maximize production rate 
• Use your technical knowledge to execute on structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication, and activation testing to deliver results on projects 
• Create detailed models and engineering prints in Solidworks 
• Perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms. 
• Support machine activation with controls engineering team and perform development testing with production engineering team. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline 
• Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. Solidworks, NX, CATIA, or ProE) 
• 5+ years of professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of technical product development experience. 
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, including daily interactions with engineers, maintenance, suppliers, and leadership. 
• Experience working in a production facility with equipment and machinery. 
• Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings. 
• Experience with finite element analysis. 
• Experience with statistical data collection, analysis, and reporting. 
• Experience designing and fabricating welded structures. 
• Experience designing and testing mechanisms.
• Experience with basic Electrical Engineering (Servos, Actuators, Sensor integration). 
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T.
• Hands on experience with equipment manufacturing and implementation. 
• Self Motivated with a hands on approach who takes the initiative. 
• Strong written and verbal communication. 
• A passion for sustainability and making the world a better place! 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely perform job duties in both office and production environments.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Must maintain regular and punctual attendance in alignment with company and regulatory standards.
• Must be able to communicate clearly.

Working Conditions:

• Willing to travel up to 25% to Reno, NV
• Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required 
• Split work environment between office and the production facility. Work may involve extended periods of working in the production facility.
• Ability to work in challenging working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, while protected by PPE, for extended periods of time.
• May require occasional work weekends or alternate shifts to support production needs.