Mechanical Engineer - Technician

📍     Location:           Ottawa, ON, Canada

📆     Employment:   Full-time, 12-month Contract

👤     Report To:         Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

ABOUT GAIA REFINERY

Gaia Refinery is building the next generation of carbon removal technology. We are developing a modular, low-energy Direct Air Capture (DAC) platform designed for real-world deployment and commercialization. Our technology integrates directly into existing bio-industrial infrastructure, transforming waste biomass streams into scalable carbon removal solutions.

 Every day our team designs, builds, tests, and refines systems capable of capturing high-purity atmospheric CO₂ efficiently and affordably. We are laser focused on performance, durability, and integration, so that we are engineering the best modular unit that works at plant scale.

 Our mission is clear: To enable gigaton-scale carbon removal by embedding modular CDR systems inside the industries that already power the global economy. We are not just developing technology. We are building a NEW infrastructure layer for the emerging carbon economy.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a versatile, hands-on Mechanical Engineering-Technician to be a core builder of our next-generation DAC prototypes.

This role is ideal for engineers who love to translate engineering designs into robust, leak-tight, and functional physical systems. It is for the individual who does their best work on the shop floor – building, troubleshooting, and improving our machines through advanced prototyping and working closely with a multidisciplinary team.

If you are a pragmatic problem-solver who takes pride in building elegant, functional systems and make substantial positive impact on the well-being of our planet, this is your role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, assemble, and modify prototype systems and sub-assemblies using  80/20, Swagelok/Parker, and similar modular framing/fluid systems.

• Safely handle and maneuver components using manual lift stackers, hydraulic floor cranes, and appropriate rigging techniques.

• Assemble liquid and gas process systems with a strong focus on achieving reliable, leak-free connections. Perform pressure testing, identify issues, and troubleshoot leaks effectively.

• Create and modify detailed CAD drawings and schematics for components and assemblies.

• Prepare clear, production-ready fabrication packages for third-party machine shops and vendors (e.g., pre-cut and bent stainless steel or polymer tubing through Swagelok Service Centers).

• Contribute to equipment layout and piping floor plan design, optimizing placement for sensor integration, maintenance access, and minimized pressure drop and energy requirements.

• Safely operate light power tools (saws, drills, grinders) and maintain a clean, organized, and high-functioning workshop environment. Meticulously document builds, procedures, bills of materials (BOMs), and lessons learned.

• Collaborate closely with Chemical Engineering Technicians and Electrical Engineering Technicians to integrate mechanical, process, and control systems.

• Develop a working understanding of the full prototype system and contribute to its evolution from lab-scale validation to commercial deployment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Formal training or certification in mechanical/engineering technology, machining, or a related field.

• 3+ years of relevant hands-on mechanical experience is required

• Familiarity with basic process instrumentation (e.g., pressure gauges, flow meters, sensors).

• Knowledge of vacuum systems or pressurized gas systems.

• Experience working with external machine shops and fabricators.

• Experience in a prototyping, R&D, or startup environment.

• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.

• Familiarity with industrial safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and controls-related risk mitigation.

• Strong coordination and problem-solving skills, with a team-oriented approach.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented

• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment, with a creative, innovative, and system-thinking mindset.

• A strong sense of accountability, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvement.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A front-row seat to invention. You won’t just execute tasks, you’ll shape prototypes, influence design decisions, and see your ideas tested in the lab and field.

• Work that matters. Not in theory, but in steel, pumps, data, and deployed systems. You’ll help build and operate real carbon removal hardware at industrial scale.

• A culture of high trust and high standards. We value clarity, direct communication, ownership, and the courage to challenge assumptions. We move fast, learn quickly, and improve continuously.

• Competitive compensation and meaningful time off. We know that building hard things requires energy, focus, and balance.

• A chance to build infrastructure for the emerging carbon economy, and to leave behind systems that remove CO₂ for generations to come.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

 If you’re passionate about carbon removal, mechanical engineering, and sustainable innovation, we’d love to hear from you!