Mechanical Engineer

About H2nanO

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

H2nanO is a Canadian cleantech startup on a mission to drive breakthrough solutions for water security and resilience. As water becomes an ever-more precious resource, our team is focused on delivering reliable, efficient water treatment options that meet the needs of Canada’s critical industries. Building on the success of our advanced wastewater treatment technologies, we’re now developing a breakthrough innovation – a modular desalination system that harnesses waste heat. This flexible, off-grid solution is designed to meet the unique needs of sectors like oil production and critical minerals, addressing complex water challenges in remote and demanding environments.

At H2nanO, we’re pioneering scalable, sustainable water technology to help secure a reliable water future for Canada’s essential industries. Join us in building the next generation of resilient water solutions!

About You

• Passionate about advancing sustainable water systems and contributing to water security, independence, and energy efficiency.

• Eager to transition innovative technology from lab scale to field deployment, with both a creative and practical mindset for scaling.

• Ambitious to master mechanical and systems design principles and spearhead new ideas.

• Great taste in water!

Role & Responsibilities

Target Start: December 2024

We’re seeking a skilled mechanical and systems engineer to play a critical role in advancing our innovative desalination technology from prototype through to field testing. This role is perfect for a hands-on, solution-driven engineer who thrives in collaborative environments and is eager to bring practical, sustainable water solutions to life. You’ll be instrumental in designing, testing, and refining modular systems that will set the stage for commercial deployment.

Key Roles:

• System Integration: Specify, configure, and integrate modular components to ensure seamless operation, including control and monitoring systems, for desalination and other water technologies.

• Mechanical Design: Develop and refine designs with a focus on mechanical reliability and failure prevention, addressing challenges such as heat, pressure, corrosion, and scaling. Emphasize durability and ease of maintenance in alignment with sustainability goals.

• Product Design: Design modules with a focus on usability and end-user needs, from rapid prototyping through to final product refinement. Design for manufacturability and scalability, ensuring practical and sustainable solutions for real-world applications.

• Prototyping & Testing: Engage in hands-on prototyping, part fabrication, and assembly. Conduct testing to evaluate and optimize system performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance under various conditions, and develop troubleshooting protocols.

• Sustainability & Safety: Prioritize sustainable design practices and adhere to safety standards, integrating energy and water efficiency measures into system design. Implement and maintain safety protocols for prototype testing and operation.

• Collaboration & Engagement: Work closely with suppliers, clients, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful development and integration of components. Collaborate on technology pitches and contribute to product positioning for manufacturing readiness.

• Support Across H2nanO Technologies: Contribute to the design and development of other H2nanO process systems and water treatment technologies, providing cross-functional support.

Experience & Qualifications

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply – even if you feel you don’t meet every qualification listed. We’re excited by unique perspectives and believe that your achievements, experiences, and passion could bring something special to H2nanO. We look forward to discovering the fresh ideas and capabilities you can add to our team!

Education: PhD, Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, with 3+ years of experience, including professional industrial practice, in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines.

Experience: Hands-on experience in product design, particularly in mechanical design, systems engineering, assemblies and integration, and rapid prototyping.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency with CAD tools for design and visualization, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS or COMSOL is an asset.

• Strong background in mechanical systems and fluid mechanics, including pumps, plumbing, and fluid flow.

• Knowledge of heat transfer, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics to support system optimization.

• Familiarity with quality management practices toward consistent, high-quality product development.

• Experience with machining, custom part fabrication, and assembly for prototypes and system modules.

• Ability to implement safety protocols and comply with industry standards to ensure safe system design and operation.

Additional Skills (assets, but not essential):

• Desalination or water treatment knowledge.

• Experience with electronics, circuitry, and programming control systems logic

• Analytical skills in mechanical failure analysis, predictive maintenance, and prevention.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and scale-up, with knowledge in design for manufacturing and quality control.

Supporting Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a team-oriented and collaborative mindset.

• Adaptable and supportive, with the ability to thrive in a creative, dynamic environment.

Working at H2nanO

Joining H2nanO means being part of a forward-thinking team committed to innovation, inclusivity, and growth. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Make a Lasting Impact: This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to pioneering technology that supports sustainable water management for industries globally.

• Career Development and Mentorship: We are committed to equal opportunities for professional advancement, providing structured career pathing and support for those returning from parental leaves. Your growth is our priority.

• Competitive Benefits: We offer a comprehensive employee benefits program designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

• Supportive Culture: We value work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements. We are open to remote work when hands-on, on-site presence isn’t required.

• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): H2nanO actively fosters a culture of inclusivity and values diverse perspectives in our team.

• Dynamic and Collaborative Environment: Work with a passionate team where creativity and teamwork are at the core of what we do to further our mission.

How To Apply

Sounds like you? Submit your application in PDF format using the linked form below.

H2nanO will consider all qualified applicants and will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews on a continuous basis.

H2nanO supports a culture of diversity and accessibility and seeks the best team members, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender identity, gender expression, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. We encourage the inclusion of preferred pronouns and identification in your application.

We aim to make the application and interview process accommodating for all qualified applicants. If any accommodations would enable or enhance your consideration, please contact join@h2nano.ca.