Design Engineer

About Us:

Our Commitment:

Origin is a technology company with a mission to enable the world's transition to sustainable materials. Our innovations include PET caps and closures that bring recycling circularity and enhanced performance to a ~$65 billion market, specialty materials, and our patented biomass conversion platform that transforms carbon into sustainable materials for a wide range of end products.

Innovation and Impact:

We have pioneered products that can enhance sustainability. We anticipate that our PET closure solutions can be transformative for packaging by designing for recycling circularity and improving the performance and sustainability of packaging. We have developed a technology that has the potential to replace petroleum-based materials with decarbonized materials in a wide range of end products, such as food and beverage packaging, clothing, textiles, plastics, car parts, carpeting, tires, adhesives, soil amendments, and fuels.

People at Origin Materials:

We're not just a company, we're a movement for change and our heart beats with the energy of our diverse and dedicated team. We are a group of passionate individuals who are eager to make a positive impact on the world while pushing the boundaries of innovation in our industry. We celebrate creativity, encourage fresh ideas and empower each other each team member to be a catalyst for meaningful change.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Our commitment is unwavering in the pursuit of attracting, developing and retaining the most exceptional individuals from a broad and diverse pool of candidates. We take pride in celebrating differences, actively fostering collaboration and cultivating an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but genuinely valued. We believe that collaboration among individuals with varied insights propels us forward and ensures our ability to tackle challenges with a comprehensive and innovative approach and we are dedicated to creating a space where individuals feel empowered to share their perspectives, knowing that their contributions are integral to our collective success.

For more information, visit our website: www.originmaterials.com.

About the Position:

We're looking for a Design Engineer to join our growing product development team, supporting the design and prototyping of mechanical systems for manufacturing. In this role, you'll work closely with senior engineers to accelerate design iterations, create and modify CAD models and drawings, and support the handoff to production. You'll also interface directly with our manufacturing team to respond quickly to customer feedback and production needs.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical engineering foundation and solid proficiency in SolidWorks, who is eager to work on real products, contribute to rapid design cycles, and gain hands-on experience in prototyping and design-for-manufacturing. You'll be a key contributor to improving turnaround time for drawing and design requests, and to increasing the design team's responsiveness to vendor and production needs.

This role is based in either West Sacramento, CA or Reed City, MI and requires at least 25% onsite presence to work directly with lab and production resources.

Description:

• Job Title: Design Engineer

• Location: West Sacramento, CA

• Eligible for Hybrid Work: Yes

• Job Type: Full-time

• Department: R&D

• Reporting to: Senior Research Engineering Manager

• Expected Travel: 10%

Responsibilities:

• Create and revise 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks in support of new product designs and design updates.

• Collaborate closely with senior engineers to support design iterations and prototyping efforts.

• Interface with manufacturing, vendors, and internal teams to troubleshoot production issues and incorporate feedback into designs.

• Help improve design response times for drawing and design requests, contributing to faster project execution.

• Participate in hands-on prototyping and testing, including preparation of components and use of lab equipment.

• Support documentation and communication of design changes and prototype results.

• Contribute to increased engineering support hours reviewing vendor and toll manufacturer output.

• (Optional) Leverage experience in 3D printing, FEM, or basic scripting to support design validation and iteration.

• Contributing to Company's Intellectual Property Portfolio including submitting new invention disclosure forms and supporting the patent prosecution process.

Qualifications:

• Educational requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Relevant experience

• 1-3 years of relevant industry experience (internships or co-ops count toward this).

• Familiarity with mechanical design for manufacturing and prototyping.

• Skills and competencies

• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks (part modeling, assemblies, and drawings).

• Ability to work on-site at least 25% of the time at either our CA or MI location.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with 3D printing for prototyping and design validation.

• Familiarity with FEA/FEM tools for basic structural simulations.

• Exposure to Python or other scripting/programming tools.

• Experience working with machining, fabrication, or similar hands-on build environments.

• Background in bottling, bottle cap design, or thermoforming industries.

Salary Range:This position is a Level 2 at Origin Materials. The pay range for this position level at Origin Materials is $84,800 - $100,900. This range is not necessarily a guarantee of actual compensation that may be earned nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on relevant experience, education and other factors.

Benefits and Perks

Origin Materials understands that our greatest asset is our talented and dedicated team. To show our appreciation and support for your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. Highlights include:

• Health Insurance: Your health is paramount and we've got you covered. Enjoy access to quality health coverage that extends to you and your dependents.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Secure your financial future with our 401(k) plan, designed to help you plan for retirement and build a stable financial foundation.

• Generous Paid Time Off: We believe in the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Benefit from our generous PTO policies that give you the flexibility to recharge or attend to personal matters.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your holistic well-being. Our EAP provides confidential counseling and support services, assisting you in navigating life's challenges, both personal and professional.

• Flexibility: We understand that a flexible work environment contributes to a healthier work-life balance and we value the unique needs of our team members. While some roles within our organization may require an onsite presence or specific working hours for collaboration and specific job functions, we are committed to providing flexibility within the scope of the position.

• Professional Development: Your growth is our priority. Access opportunities for professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career within our dynamic organization.

Hiring Process:

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should apply at link.

• Please reach out to ... if you have any questions or require additional assistance.

Initial Screening:

• Qualified candidates will undergo an initial resume screening and phone screening.

Interview Process:

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for more in-depth (phone/video/in-person) interviews.

• Interviews may include technical and cultural assessments / presentations.

Final Selection:

• Successful candidates will undergo a final interview with one of our two Founders.

• Final selection will be communicated via email.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):

Origin Materials is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from any form of discrimination, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.