📌 Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
📍 Location: Knoxville, TN | Full-Time
🏢 Company: SkyNano LLC
🌱 About SkyNano
SkyNano is a pioneering materials company based in Louisville, TN, producing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a patented electrochemical process. Our feedstock is CO₂ pulled directly from point sources of emission, which we transform into high-quality, low-cost MWCNTs. Our mission is to make MWCNTs more accessible so customers across industries can incorporate them into their own products—improving strength, durability, impact resistance, sustainability and overall performance.
🧪 Position Summary
We are seeking an early-career Mechanical Engineer with 2+ years of experience to provide hands-on support the design, commissioning, and optimization of our multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) production systems (a high-temperature process). The ideal candidate will be adept at transforming designs into physical systems, has experience using standard machining tools (CNC mill, drill press, standard cutting tools, welding, etc., and is eager to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. This role is critical to ensuring reliable, efficient, and scalable operations as SkyNano grows.
🔧 Key Responsibilities
Production Equipment & Process Support
- Assist in the design, installation, and commissioning of mechanical systems for CNT production.
- Troubleshoot and optimize mechanical equipment to ensure reliable and consistent CNT output.
- Work with Engineering and R&D teams to translate learnings into scalable systems.
Project Execution
- Support commissioning of new production lines and equipment.
- Source components for equipment including specification, procurement, and installation. Build vendor relationships leveraging clear and compelling communication skills, understand and convey urgency in the context of project timelines, and employ organizational skills to track vendor communications and stage of sourcing process for procurements.
- Lead small-scale project components from concept through implementation.
Health, Safety, & Compliance
- Ensure mechanical designs, systems, and installations meet safety and regulatory standards.
- Participate in hazard analyses and implement risk-reduction measures.
- Contribute to a strong safety culture throughout operations.
🎓 Required Qualifications
- US citizenship required (due to federal contract work)
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or related field
- 2+ years of engineering experience, ideally including:
- Startup or scale-up environment
- Solid understanding of mechanical systems such as pumps, piping, rotating equipment, and pressure systems.
- Strong knowledge at the intersection of mechanical and electrical, specifically with regards to sizing heaters for various thermal load needs
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in production or commissioning environments.
- Proficiency in CAD/design software (SolidWorks preferred).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Proactive self-starter, strong self-management skills.
⭐ Bonus Points
- Experience in chemical, materials-related industries.
- Familiarity with commissioning procedures and process safety standards.
- Hands-on experience in pilot plant or manufacturing environments, particularly high temperature environments.
- Experience writing CNC milling code
- Experience in vendor relationship management.
💡 Why Join SkyNano?
- Join a mission-driven team scaling a breakthrough carbon-to-materials technology
- Work on a first-of-its-kind process at the cutting edge of clean tech
- Enjoy a collaborative start-up culture with growth, impact, and flexibility
- Competitive compensation + benefits (fully paid health insurance, vision + dental, 2X annual company-wide shut-downs for over 1 week each, 401(k) match, PTO, relocation assistance, paid family leave)
- Flexible M–F hours (no regular nights/weekends/on-call; travel not required)
- Optional 9-80 workweek with every other Friday off
📬 How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in SkyNano here on LinkedIn. SkyNano LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for innovation, sustainability, and impact.