Overview REEcycle is a Houston-based pioneer in the recycling of rare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life permanent magnets. Our patented technology is the U.S' answer to China's dominance in the rare earth supply chain. REEcycle is backed by institutional investors and supported by a Department of Defense grant, underscoring the importance and urgency of our mission.As we scale toward commercial deployment, we are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the team and optimize our proprietary systems. A key focus will be on the deployment, testing, and further build out of our Drive Disassembly Machine (DDM), a critical component to REEcycle's future success. This system efficiently extracts magnets from hard disk drives, creating economically viable feedstocks for our processes.We are looking for an energetic self-starter who thrives in dynamic environments, brings inventive and solutions-oriented thinking, and is ready to play a key role in building the future of U.S. rare earth independence.If you\'re excited by the opportunity to lead engineering efforts at a high-impact company with significant room for career advancement, we'd love to speak with you about our Senior Engineer position.Responsibilities Lead engineering team on scaling a Mechatronic SystemLead and manage project and team across all aspects from R&D to commercial scale implementationDevelop deep working knowledge of the company's proprietary machinery, which integrates hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical assemblies, and PLC-based control systemsServe as the primary internal engineering point of contact, being a thought leader and systems-level problem-solver across all technical aspects of the process and systemSystems Integration and Troubleshooting: Understand how the various mechanical and electrical sub-systems interact, including solenoid valves, pneumatic actuators, linear guides, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, sensors, and control logicWhen issues arise (e.g. unexpected machine behavior), lead root-cause analysis and coordinate troubleshooting, drawing from hands-on diagnostics, system logs, or vendor input as requiredOversee and Coordinate External Technical Partners: Manage the work of outside automation and systems integration firms, ensuring their deliverables align with system requirements, certification goals, and project timelinesProvide clear technical direction, evaluate engineering trade-offs, and ensure that outsourced work aligns with the company's product roadmap and constraintsGuide Commercialization and Production Readiness: Lead efforts to evolve the current prototype into a commercially robust, scalable, and compliant systemEnsure the design meets manufacturing, field servicing, and certification requirements (e.g. UL, CE), including documentation, BOM finalization, and design-for-assemblyDeployment and Field Learning: Support and monitor deployments, ensuring field performance aligns with expectationsCapture real-world feedback to inform design improvements and de-risk future production runsEarly Manufacturing Strategy and Vendor Engagement: Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to plan for small-batch production, including component sourcing, assembly workflows, and QA/QC processesHelp qualify external manufacturers and assess production feasibility and cost-efficiencyOperate as a Technical Leader in a Lean Organization: Navigate ambiguity and operate autonomously as the primary in-house engineer, supported by technical advisors and outside collaboratorsBalance strategic systems thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed, bridging business goals and technical executionQualifications Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Manufacturing disciplines)8+ years of progressive experience in engineering, product development, or manufacturing environments2+ years of engineering leadership experience, managing teams and driving project executionProven ability to lead end-to-end equipment manufacturing projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordinationStrong proficiency in CAD platforms, specifically SolidWorksIn-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial materials, design for manufacturability, and supply chain logisticsTrack record of successfully managing small, cross-functional teams toward technical milestones and deliverablesDesired/Preferred Experience Proven project management experience delivering complex engineering initiatives on time and within budget while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and external partnersExperience taking custom/prototype industrial machinery from concept to commercializationFamiliarity with relevant compliance standards and certification pathways (e.g. UL, CE marking, electrical/mechanical safety standards)Comfort working in agile or fast-moving hardware development environmentsStrong communication and organizational skills with the ability to bridge technical and business functionsAbility to grow and lead the procurement and development teams, with experience reporting directly to senior management and the C-SuiteLocations and Employment Details Location: Houston, Texas (In office)Position Type: Full-timeSalary: Compensation will be based on experienceBenefits: Health insurance, dental and vision as well as other benefitsApplication NameFirst Name (required)Last Name (required)Email (required)PhoneResume/CBV (required)Add a FileIn which U.S. city and state do you currently live? (required)(Note that we are only able to hire candidates within the United States.)Will you be able to commute to our Houston, Texas office? (required)YesNoPlease tell us why you are the best choice for this position. (required)#J-18808-Ljbffr