Mechanical Engineer - Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Specialization
Burnaby, BC
full timeAbout This Job
At Tersa Earth Innovations, we believe the future of industry is green, profitable, and powered by biology. We're a dynamic biotechnology company developing TersaClean, a proprietary, modular synthetic biology platform designed to fundamentally disrupt the mining sector. Our technology doesn't just treat waste; it turns environmental liability into a massive asset by recovering valuable metals and neutralizing harmful effluent streams.
Consider the scale: an estimated $3.4 Trillion and rising in recoverable minerals remains trapped in global mining waste. Tersa Earth is capturing this opportunity, driving our mission to transform resource extraction with carbon-neutral biotech—restoring ecosystems while generating significant industry revenue. We offer a first-of-its-kind, scalable solution that addresses real-world industrial challenges with scientific elegance.
This is where you come in. We are seeking a visionary Mechanical Engineer - Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Specialization ready to translate our scientific breakthroughs into market-ready, industrial-scale reality. Join us and build the future of sustainable mining.
Position Overview
In the role of the Mechanical Engineer, your responsibilities will include testing, optimizing, and upscaling the MFC processes designed for the treatment of acid rock drainage and wastewater containing metal impurities. Collaborating within a team context, the Mechanical Engineering Lead will work alongside biological engineers, chemical engineers, mining engineers, electrochemical engineers and biotechnologists to advance decarbonization solutions and contribute to the elimination of mining tailings ponds.
Key Responsibilities
I. Mechanical Design & System Engineering
- Design and Model MFC Systems: Lead the mechanical design, component modelling, and assembly of industrial Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) systems using SolidWorks.
- Corrosion and Material Selection: Select appropriate materials and design components that can withstand corrosive environments, specifically for the treatment of acid rock drainage and metal-containing wastewater.
- Fluid and Thermal Management: Develop and optimize mechanical designs for fluid handling systems (pumps, piping, flow control) and thermal management within the electrochemical systems.
- Stress and Thermal Analysis: Perform detailed analytical work, including stress and thermal simulations, to ensure the structural integrity and optimal operating conditions of the MFC units.
II. Process Optimization & Testing
- System Testing and Optimization: Conduct rigorous testing and optimization of the MFC processes designed for acid rock drainage and wastewater treatment.
- Upscaling Design: Contribute to the engineering effort to upscale the MFC technology from lab/pilot-scale to industrial-scale application.
- Integration Support: Ensure mechanical designs are ready for integration with electrical teams , specifically systems involved in battery/fuel cell applications.
III. Collaboration & Strategic Impact
- Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate closely with biological engineers, chemical/process engineers, electrochemical engineers, and biotechnologists to advance decarbonization solutions.
- Problem Solving: Apply expertise to eliminate mining tailings ponds by building a first-of-its-kind, scalable solution that addresses real-world industrial challenges.
- Commercialization Strategy: Contribute mechanical expertise to shape the commercialization strategy of breakthrough synthetic biology solutions.Qualifications
- 2+ years in mechanical engineering, specializing in battery/fuel cell systems.
- Expertise in mechanical design for industrial electrochemical systems, including fluid handling and thermal management.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for component modeling and assembly.
- Strong knowledge of materials for corrosive environments .
- Excellent analytical skills for stress/thermal simulations
- Familiar with MFCs for industrial applications .
- Familiar integrating with electrical teams.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to shape the commercialization strategy of breakthrough synthetic biology solutions with global environmental impact.
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment committed to scientific integrity and real-world impact.
- The chance to work across scientific, engineering, and business disciplines to bring world-changing technologies to market.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.