Operations Mechanical Engineer

We are looking for a passionate Operations Engineer, Mechanical to join our team. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to keep the factory floor running, using creative problem solving to get us moving as quickly as possible while continuing to push process and design changes for long term improvements. We're seeking someone with extensive experience in manufacturing operations, and team leadership who is excited about the challenges and opportunities of scaling an early-stage startup.

About us

unspun is a robotics and digital apparel company, with a mission to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% through automated, localized, and intentional manufacturing.

Included in Time's Best Inventions & Fast Company's World Changing Ideas, unspun aims to rapidly transition the trillion-dollar apparel world into one that is more intentional, inclusive, and efficient by focusing on the overlap between sustainability and profitability.

We've developed VegaTM, a proprietary and patent-pending technology at the crossroads of 3D weaving and automated textile manufacturing. By skipping the flat 2D fabric stage, we can additively build custom apparel products from the ground up - straight from yarn to final product. If scaling disruptive manufacturing technologies, optimizing complex production systems, and leading teams through rapid growth gets you excited, we'd love to talk!

About You

As the Mechanical Operations Engineer at unspun, you will apply your manufacturing and operations expertise to advance progress on the factory floor, at headquarters, and at our deployment sites. You will serve as the primary point of contact for addressing issues related to the operation of our Vega machines, ensuring timely and practical, operator-focused solutions to keep the team moving forward.

What you'll do

In this dynamic role, you’ll oversee the real-world performance of our Vega machines, spotting emerging trends, tackling potential issues before they escalate, and delivering valuable insights to cross-functional teams to enhance cost efficiency and reliability.

It’s not just about solving “today’s problems”—you’ll also need a sharp eye for the bigger picture, anticipating inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and operational challenges on the horizon. If you’re energized by the idea of a fast-paced, cross-functional environment where you can tackle complex problems and champion continuous improvement, this is the perfect place for you to shine.

• First line of defense for keeping the factory floor operational including but not limited to machine maintenance/ troubleshooting and continuous improvement
• Triage technical and operational issues and working with the appropriate teams to find a solution in the near-term and long term
• Create KPI’s and metrics to determine the operating pulse and baseline of factory performance
• Become the go-to subject matter expert on troubleshooting and repairing the system
• Own development and upkeep of troubleshooting guides, operational guides, and other operational documentation that supports our operators in continuously serving their customers
• Work hand-in-hand with Deployment and Hardware teams on the top technical issues occurring in the field to develop interim mitigation strategies and long-term solutions

Ideal Qualities

• Background in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering (or similar field)
• Can translate between operational needs and technical solutions
• Can communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) and have the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of cross-functional stakeholders
• Can develop and validate troubleshooting guides and procedures
• Motivated by helping people and unblocking operations
• Willing to work some nights/weekends and travel roughly up to 30% of the time
• Experience scaling operations in a fast-growing company, preferably in hardware or textiles
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• Passion for sustainability and innovative manufacturing technologies

Bonus Points

• Background in textile or apparel manufacturing
• Experience with 3D weaving or similar innovative manufacturing technologies
• Experience in NPI or supporting not fully validated systems.
• Startup experience

We don't expect you to have all of the listed qualities and are looking for someone who hopes to learn those areas where they don't have as much experience. So if you don't meet all of the requirements listed above but can make up for it with a voracious passion for learning how to do so, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Our philosophy

We won't roll our eyes if your socks don't match. We get it. But then, if you spend those extra few minutes in the morning matching your socks and shirt, we get that too. Our workspaces are sometimes spotless and sometimes chaotic, and we celebrate messy exploration. We work through complex problems but generate simple and elegant solutions. We strive to look at things differently, and never do anything solely because "that's the way it's always been done."

We're a team of designers and engineers, industry-veterans and serial entrepreneurs, artists and developers. We're aspiring chess masters and climbers, bakers and photographers. Originally spun out of Stanford and the University of Colorado, we now call Emeryville home, with strong ties to Hong Kong. We are looking for teammates who share our desire to work on ambitious problems and leave the world better than we found it.

unspun is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to being a diverse team that reflects a broad range of background, thought, and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, status as protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, and people from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

**The hiring manger (who is a human) does screen every resume, we aren't using AI to screen out candidates. Answering the question thoughtfully does give candidates an opportunity to show strengths and thoughtfulness. A cover letter is by no means necessary, but will also be read and considered.

The salary range for this role is $135,000 - $153,000 USD, annually, plus 0.05% - 0.06% equity.

Benefits include:

• self-regulated vacation policy
• comprehensive (gold & platinum) health/dental/vision insurance
• company sponsored 401k and HSA or FSA
• monthly gym membership or relevant online education grant of up to $150/month
• pre-tax commuter benefits
• incentive stock options