Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer

Sorion is re-engineering how critical chemicals and materials are produced through a mechano-catalytic platform that replaces slow, high-energy, solvent-intensive steps with direct, high-efficiency solid-state processes. Our approach enables materials that are impractical to make by conventional means, unlocking entirely new possibilities for industry and the planet. If you want your work to become real products and help define the future of materials manufacturing, this is the place.

As Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer, you will take ownership of custom mechanochemical R&D systems, from first sketch to commissioned prototype. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of chemists, materials engineers, process engineers, and technicians to translate lab discoveries into production-ready processes that define Sorion’s core technology.

Design and build

• Modify and enhance off-the-shelf lab ball milling systems for precise control of temperature, force, and gas atmosphere
• Design, procure/fabricate, assemble, and commission custom mechanochemical reactor prototypes, including continuous processing equipment integrating mechanical drive, thermal, control, and sensing subsystems (e.g., motors, pumps, heaters, torque meters)
• Build high-throughput test stands integrating sensors, controllers, and automation
• Develop in-situ and ex-situ measurement devices for characterization of material properties and reaction dynamics
• Design and build custom rigs to streamline experimental setup and calibration processes
• Partner closely with the broader R&D team to iteratively refine hardware based on experimental feedback

• Translate R&D learnings into functional, instrumented prototype process equipment with clear scale-up pathways
• Collaborate across disciplines to iterate on mechanochemical processes and integrate mechanical designs into production-ready processing systems

• Establish a rigorous, safety-first lab culture built on curiosity and low-ego collaboration
• Play a critical role in defining Sorion’s foundational culture as an early team member

We’re looking for a collaborative mechanical engineer who combines strong technical fundamentals with hands‑on prototyping experience in a fast‑moving, interdisciplinary lab environment.

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience taking complex mechanical systems from concept through assembly, commissioning, and validation, preferably in R&D or early‑stage prototyping
• Strong command of mechanical design fundamentals (solid mechanics, heat transfer, material properties)
• Proficient in CAD (e.g., Solid Works, Fusion 360) and machining workflows
• Familiarity with control systems (PID, SSRs, sensors, actuators)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across disciplines, with the ability to collaborate with domain experts on equipment design and rapidly absorb information from other team members
• Ability to thrive in an early‑stage, high‑ambiguity, fast‑paced startup environment
• Low ego, high curiosity, and a relentlessly resourceful spirit

On‑site:
Houston, TX

At Sorion, we take care of our team with competitive pay, stock options, and great benefits so you can thrive at work and beyond.

Salary range: $110,000 - $190,000 per year USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.

Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers, and are considered part of Sorion's total compensation package.

We cover 100% of health insurance premiums for full‑time employees.