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Lead Mechanical Technician

Via Separations

Job Location:

Watertown, NY - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 80750 - 110000

Posted: 6 August 2026 (8 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 3 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Department:

Engineering

Job Summary

Via Separations is a Boston-area startup dedicated to enabling process efficiency and intensification for the industrial 2024 Via delivered its first commercial facility and changed the narrative around market-driven energy technologies that drive value for industrial customers. At the intersection of engineering society and impact our team is passionate about making a difference and building the technology and organization to do it. We are a fast-paced interdisciplinary team backed by leading venture capital firms and we are looking to add talented mission-driven people to our cohort.

We are passionate about transformative impact optimistic about scientific progress and unafraid of hard problems. We believe that our people are our unfair advantage and drive our mission forward. We embrace the diversity of our team for creative solutions and believe the best ideas come from the intersection of disciplines and perspectives. We want you to join us!

Role Description

Via Separations is seeking a Lead Mechanical Technician to join our Internal Systems group. As the Lead Mechanical Technician you will lead the assembly fabrication and build-out of internal test equipment including test skids and pilot support systems consisting of pumps controls piping valves instruments and wiring. You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting existing test skids and assets. This is a hands-on technical leadership position requiring the ability to read and work from engineering drawings source and order material and operate hand and shop tools safely while working around hazardous liquids and gases. This role is based on-site in Watertown MA with primary work in our lab space and may involve occasional travel to support field-deployed pilot units.

Responsibilities Include:

Build & Assembly

Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids including pumps piping valves instrumentation controls and electrical/wiring components.
Read and interpret engineering drawings P&IDs and specifications to plan and execute builds accurately.
Order and track material required for builds coordinating with engineering and procurement to ensure correct specifications and timely delivery.
Use hand tools and shop equipment including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines to fabricate and install piping and structural components.
Lead build sequencing and task assignment for assigned projects ensuring work meets quality and safety standards.
Support shipping and receiving activities as needed including building crates and packaging large items and equipment for outgoing freight.
Coordinate with external trades including electricians plumbers and HVAC contractors to support the installation maintenance repair and upgrade of laboratory equipment and lab facility systems in support of lab test equipment.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Maintain inspect and repair existing test skids and internal systems to keep them in safe reliable operating condition.
Troubleshoot mechanical piping instrumentation and electrical issues on test equipment identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Coordinate with process and systems engineers on equipment modifications upgrades and recurring issues.

Safety & Leadership

Work safely and confidently around hazardous liquids and gases following all relevant safety protocols and PPE requirements.
Serve as a technical lead for build and maintenance activities mentoring other colleagues and helping enforce shop safety and quality standards.
Identify and escalate safety concerns near-misses or process deviations promptly.

Required Qualifications:

10 years of hands-on experience assembling fabricating and maintaining mechanical and piping systems including pumps valves piping instrumentation and basic electrical wiring.
Ability to read and work directly from engineering drawings P&IDs and specifications.
Experience using hand tools and shop equipment including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines.
Comfortable and safety-conscious working around hazardous liquids and gases.
Experience ordering or specifying material for fabrication or maintenance work.
Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical piping and basic electrical/controls systems.
Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO) and high-pressure system components operation and safe handling.
Ability to lead tasks and provide direction to others on a build or maintenance job.
Able to work independently with minimal oversight prioritizing and managing tasks with sound judgment.
The position requires the use of PPE (eye protection respirator etc.) and strict adherence to safety procedures when working with hazardous liquids and gases pressurized systems and powered shop equipment.
Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds undergo background and drug screening and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication tasks.
U.S. work authorization is required for this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in a lab industrial test/fabrication or field equipment deployment environment.
Familiarity with plumbing pipefitting and/or piping codes and material standards (e.g. ASME B31.3) and basic instrumentation/controls wiring.
Experience with chemical process equipment or corrosive service materials (e.g. stainless steel specialty alloys.)

We Offer:

Competitive compensation package including equity options
Medical Dental & Vision Insurance
Disability & Life Insurance
401(k)
12 weeks paid Family Leave
Flexible PTO
Paid time off for Company holidays
Onsite gym

$80750 - $110000 a year

In addition to the base salary range listed above Vias compensation package includes an annual performance bonus and equity options.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Via may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge skills education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role!

At Via we value and prioritize diversity of thought access and experiences and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin ancestry citizenship status protected veteran status religion physical or mental disability marital status sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age or any other basis protected by law ordinance or regulation.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

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