Mechanical Engineer | Alt. Leather

Job Description

Join us on our mission to help decarbonise the planet with our best-in-class 100% biobased leather alternative. At Alt. Leather, we are developing a world-class biomaterial made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Our mission is to become a direct substitute for carbon-intensive traditional leather and eliminate the need for petrochemical plastics. We are an early-stage startup with great momentum, and we're keen to build a technical team of passionate people who want to make a positive impact on the world. How you can make an impact on our team and the planet. You are a fast as lightning technical wizard who won't let any obstacle stand in their way. Mechatronics/Mechanical Engineer or similar field Can problem solve from first principles Can help us scale our tech and process quickly from lab to pilot plant and beyond Can map out a technical plan and break it down into critical, time-sensitive projects Cares deeply about producing the world's best product at lightning speed and will get hands dirty doing it. Team player with excellent communication skills and ‘can do' attitude Bonus: start up experience Key objectives of the role: To design and implement our batch-to-batch benchtop process. This will provide us with the critical information we need to scale to our pilot facility. To research, source and cost key pieces of equipment To work closely with our R&D team to optimise the production process to keep it as simple and cost-effective as possible. To work with external mentors and partners to implement scale-up strategy. This will involve running feasibility on various options. Access to world-class partners and mentors: Luke Preston, Head of Technology & Partnerships, Quickstep - Access to mentorship Main Sequence Ventures, Australia's Leading Deep Tech VC - Access to portfolio expertise (e.g. Uluu, Samsara Eco, etc.) RMR Process, potential process engineering partner - Paid partnership to design and build our pilot facility Hydra Consulting Group - Engineering and manufacturing advice Deeper dive into the role. Technical Strategy, Planning and Reporting: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to transition our biobased leather alternative from lab scale to pilot scale production. Identify key technical milestones, potential risks, and mitigation strategies to ensure smooth scaling Regularly report progress, challenges, and achievements to senior management clearly communicating tech in a way that non-technical folk can understand. Process Optimisation: Lead the development and testing of manufacturing processes to improve product performance. Lab > Benchtop > Pilot Facility Implement advanced process control techniques to ensure consistency and efficiency. Utilise startup (Monash Teams) experience to navigate the challenges of rapid growth and limited resources. Apply strategic thinking to prioritise initiatives that maximise impact and drive the company towards its vision. Project Management: Lead bench scale, and subsequently pilot scale production processes, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met. Work collaboratively with the R&D team and external manufacturing consultants (CSIRO, Dennis Forte, RMR Process) to align technical efforts with business objectives. Quality and Compliance: Ensure all processes and products comply with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Implement robust quality control measures to maintain high product standards. Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging team members to explore new ideas and technologies. Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions. Passion for Excellence: Demonstrate a strong commitment to producing the world's best biobased leather alternative. Maintain a high level of motivation and pace to drive the project forward rapidly. #J-18808-Ljbffr