Alterna Materials is developing next-generation technologies for iron ore reduction, briquetting, and sustainable metals production. Our team is focused on designing, building, testing, and commercializing industrial systems that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving the economics of steel production.
We are seeking a hands-on Engineer to support the design, construction, testing, and scale-up of pilot and commercial process systems. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working both behind a CAD workstation and in the field, helping build and operate real equipment. You will work directly with senior leadership and technical personnel to develop innovative process technologies from concept through commercialization.
Position Summary:
The Engineer will support research and development activities related to industrial process equipment, pilot plant systems, and commercial-scale technology deployment. The successful candidate will contribute to equipment design, fabrication oversight, system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and process optimization. This role requires a strong engineering foundation, a willingness to work in laboratory, shop, and industrial environments, and the ability to solve practical engineering challenges in a fast-paced R&D setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Design mechanical systems, process equipment, and supporting infrastructure for pilot and commercial projects.
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation.
- Work directly with fabrication shops, vendors, and contractors to support equipment manufacturing and assembly.
- Assist with pilot plant construction, installation, startup, commissioning, and operation.
- Develop and execute equipment test plans and experimental programs.
- Analyze test data and recommend design improvements.
- Support process development efforts involving thermal systems, gas-solid reactions, bulk solids handling, and metallurgical processing technologies.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, operational, and process-related issues during testing and operation.
- Coordinate with suppliers and external engineering partners to ensure project objectives are achieved.
- Support scale-up activities from laboratory and pilot systems to commercial deployment.
- Maintain engineering documentation, operating procedures, and technical reports.
- Participate in safety reviews, risk assessments, and process hazard evaluations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Control Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and/or Chemical Engineering
- 2–7 years of engineering experience in industrial, manufacturing, energy, mining, metals, chemical processing, or related industries.
- Process control experience
- Experience with 3D CAD software and mechanical design.
- Experience overseeing equipment fabrication and vendor manufacturing activities.
- Experience conducting equipment testing, commissioning activities, or system troubleshooting.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-on with equipment.
- Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-moving engineering team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting welding, machining, fabrication, or assembly activities.
- Experience with plant startup and commissioning.
- Experience implementing, managing, or troubleshooting process control systems.
- Familiarity with industrial instrumentation, sensors, and automation systems.
- Experience with pilot plant operations or technology development programs.
- Exposure to bulk solids handling, thermal processing systems, gas processing systems, or metallurgical operations.
- Experience in mining, steel, cement, chemical processing, energy, manufacturing equipment, oil & gas, or industrial automation industries.
What Makes This Role Unique
- Opportunity to help commercialize breakthrough industrial technology.
- Significant hands-on involvement in equipment development and testing.
- Direct exposure to pilot plant and commercial-scale engineering projects.
- Small-team environment where individual contributions have visible impact.
- Employee stock option grant with potential upside as the company grows.
- Opportunity to work on technologies that support lower-emission metals production and industrial decarbonization.
Benefits
- Competitive salary ($90,000–$110,000 based on experience)
- Employee stock option grant
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Alterna Materials is an equal opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We encourage candidates who are excited about innovation, industrial technology, and hands-on engineering to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Engineering: 2 years (Required)
- Process Control: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Albuquerque, NM 87123 (Required)
Work Location: In person
