What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Technician (R&D and Fabrication) position at Sora Fuel?
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Technician (R&D and Fabrication) to join our sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) startup.
About the Role
In this role, you will support the organization through the fabrication, assembly, and refinement of first-of-kind hardware. This position is designed for an experienced technician who thrives in a fast-paced R&D environment, taking ownership of builds while helping drive quality, efficiency, and execution across the shop. You will be a trusted technical resource for the engineering team, turning Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, technical drawings, and evolving designs into functional prototypes.
From mechanical assemblies and custom fixtures to prototype equipment, you will use your mechanical intuition and hands-on experience to solve challenges, provide design feedback, and keep engineering projects moving. You will also help improve shop organization, processes, and best practices while setting a high standard for craftsmanship and safety.
Responsibilities
• Advanced Prototype Fabrication: Fabricate high-precision, custom prototype parts directly from CAD models, engineering drawings, and evolving engineering documentation.
• Precision Machinery Operation: Operate a Tormach 1500MX CNC machine and an OMAX GlobalMax 1515 water jet machine to create complex components.
• Additive Manufacturing: Operate and maintain FormLabs 4L and Prusa MK4S 3D printers to support rapid prototyping needs.
• Assembly & Integration: Build, wire, and refine complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems using hand tools, power tools, and basic electronic test equipment.
• Engineering Feedback: Provide practical design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to Engineering.
• Equipment Maintenance: Assist with maintenance for mechanical and laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting, basic repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Shop Optimization: Improve shop organization, workflow, tooling, build processes, and overall operational efficiency in a prototype environment.
Qualifications
• Advanced Machining Skills: Demonstrated expert-level proficiency in operating and programming CNC machines (specifically Tormach 1500MX or similar) and water jet systems (Omax).
• Fast-Paced R&D Background: Prior experience thriving in high-velocity, evolving startup or R&D environments with minimal direction.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of Mechanical Engineering concepts and hands-on assembly of precision mechanical or electro-mechanical systems.
• Technical Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, engineering models, and CAD documentation.
• Tool & Equipment Mastery: Comfortable and safe using a wide variety of shop equipment, hand tools, power tools, and basic electronic diagnostic gear.
• Troubleshooting Intuition: Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills with the ability to independently diagnose issues and develop practical solutions.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Core Values: Alignment with our core values of transparency, diversity, collaboration, valuing people and development, and work ethic.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Incentive Stock Options
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401k match
- Commuter benefits
About the Company
Sora Fuel aims to decarbonize aviation by converting air into affordable, carbon-neutral jet fuel at scale with no feedstock constraints or adverse impacts on agriculture. Our novel electrolysis technology directly converts captured carbon into syngas without regenerating gaseous CO2, reducing the energy required to utilize DAC-sourced CO2 by up to 90%. This provides an economical pathway to carbon-neutral flight, potentially addressing >2% of challenging-to-abate global emissions.
The company was founded in early 2024 and has closed over $20M of funding from renowned "Tough Tech" investors including Engine Ventures, Spero Ventures, and Inspired Capital. Since founding, the team has grown to include scientists and engineers with a broad range of skill sets from electrochemistry and catalysis to polymer science and mechanical engineering. Together, this team has scaled our technology >800-fold, demonstrated a true prototype employing commercial-scale cells, and developed scalable manufacturing processes for key materials. We seek to continue building a diverse, collaborative team that shares our enthusiasm and drive to meaningfully address climate change.