Lead Process Engineer

About The Renatural

The Renatural is a VC backed, NYC based vertically integrated beauty company that is revolutionizing the wig and hair extension industry. 

In the last 12 months they have filed 2 additional patents for upcoming releases which includes a groundbreaking process that automates wig-making, combining precision engineering with dedicated craftsmanship.

They’re in a transitional phase setting the foundation for accelerated growth. This is an opportunity to have a key impact on an early stage, category-defining company.

Lead Process Engineer

Location: DUMBO, NYC (In-person)

Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $130k-$150k

As Lead Process Engineer, you’ll oversee the strategic development and execution of our core manufacturing and product engineering processes. This is both a high-level systems-thinking role and a hands-on leadership position. You’ll guide the technical roadmap, optimize complex workflows, and manage a small but growing technical team—including our Mechanical Design Engineer.

You will report directly to the Founder/CEO and work cross-functionally with advisors, product, and operations to transform prototypes into scalable, production-ready systems.

Process Leadership & Systems Thinking

• Design and implement scalable processes for our proprietary wig-making technology
• Think holistically across mechanical, material, and operational systems to balance innovation, manufacturability, and cost
• Map the interdependencies across design, production, QA, and logistics to create efficient feedback loops

Team Management & Technical Oversight

• Direct and mentor junior engineers, including mechanical and design engineers
• Lead technical reviews, set project timelines, and ensure high-quality deliverables
• Translate business and product needs into actionable engineering goals



Strategic Roadmapping

• Partner with the CEO to set the technical vision and long-term infrastructure strategy
• Prioritize development efforts based on business needs, patent/IP strategy, and speed to market

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Optimization

• Translate prototypes into robust, repeatable systems
• Work closely with manufacturers, suppliers, and in-house operators to scale production while maintaining precision and quality
• Continuously refine processes to reduce cycle time, increase output, and improve product performance

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key bridge between engineering, design, operations, and marketing
• Collaborate on user testing, product iterations, and go-to-market technical feasibility
• Drive alignment between what’s being built and what customers truly need

• 7 years in mechanical, manufacturing, or process engineering for complex/high‑precision hardware (e.g., robotics, medical devices, wearables, consumer electronics, or beauty tools).
• Demonstrated success taking processes from zero‑to‑one and scaling to production while holding a high bar for quality.
• Hands‑on floor leadership experience: you’ve owned daily throughput, quality, and team performance in live manufacturing.
• Mastery of CAD (e.g., SolidWorks) and prototyping; fluency in DFM/DFA, GD&T, SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and root‑cause methods (5 Whys/Fishbone).
• Experience with CNC/motion systems, rapid prototyping, elastomers/adhesives, and material science fundamentals.
• Strong communicator who can align technical and non‑technical stakeholders; able to zoom between strategy and execution.
• BS/MS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (or related field).

• Own your impact: Shape the direction of a high-potential, patent-backed startup
• Equity and leadership: Competitive salary, stock options, and a leadership seat at the table
• Mission-driven innovation: Be part of something category-defining with cultural and technical significance
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and flexible hybrid schedule
• Tools & environment: High‑caliber equipment, on‑site lab, and a culture that values craft, rigor, and speed.