About UPSIDE Foods

At the forefront of farming and food, UPSIDE Foods is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. The founding company of the industry, UPSIDE Foods is a mission-driven organization focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

Excited about pushing the boundaries of how meat is produced? We are seeking a hardworking and passionate Mechanical Engineering Technician to join our engineering R&D team to help bring cultivated meat to production. Your work will include building fixtures and equipment prototypes, fabricating parts to support design bring-ups and experiments in a fast-changing environment, and managing machine shop up-keep. In other words, your work will directly contribute to making cultivated meat a commercial reality! You should enjoy the dynamic nature of start-ups, exhibiting flexibility and a desire to develop skills and knowledge in new areas.

Responsibilities include

• Fabricate custom components using standard shop tools (bandsaw, grinder, hand tools, etc.), 3D printers, laser cutters, water jet, mill, and lathe

• Brainstorm and build systems using off-the-shelf items from sites such as McMaster Carr

• Assemble small-scale and full-sized components for use in meat cultivation units

• Work with the engineering team to create assembly jigs and fixtures, procure tools and equipment, and assemble final products

• Follow SOPs and hand drawings to set up fluid pumps, hoses, and sensors for testing

• Purchase, receive, and organize incoming materials

• Clean parts and equipment as needed

• Set up organization systems for the machine shop (5S, servicing logs, low-stock part management, etc.)

• Clean, maintain, and service shop equipment

About you

• 5+ years of relevant technician work experience, preferably in food, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments.

• Ability to communicate project status, timelines, and issues that are blocking your progress

• Comfortable working with power tools and shop equipment, such as: drills, saws, mill, lathe, bandsaw, etc.

• Strong capability in assembling and troubleshooting mechanical parts and systems; welding experience preferred.

• Basic understand of common engineering materials like plastics, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and the strengths / weaknesses of each material

• Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly, with occasional situations requiring lifting up to 40 pounds. Comfort with reaching, crouching, and lifting in uneven or tight spaces. Capable of depth perception and manual dexterity, with occasional repetitive finger motion. Comfort with wearing personal protective equipment when needed

• Proficient with Google Sheets, Slides, and Docs (Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word are OK)

• Experience operating and maintaining a 3D printer, laser cutter, waterjet; and/or Basic knowledge in CAD is a big plus!

Who you’ll work with

• The mechanical team is at the center of most technical functions at the company, working with everyone from early-stage science teams to aid R&D through manufacturing teams at our production facility.

• This role will most frequently operate within the mechanical team to support upcoming builds. Much of this role will also involve shop upkeep and inventory management.

Key Contributions in First Year

• Assemble custom-designed components under the direction of the mechanical engineering team

• Fabricate or rework custom components using shop tools

• Maintains machine shop and manages part/tool inventory and deliveries

Compensation Range: $48,000 - $80,000 - Hourly wage conversion. ($23 - $38/hr)*
*Pay may vary depending on factors including job-related knowledge and skills.

UPSIDE Benefits!

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!

• 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)

• Pet insurance for your furry family members!

• 3 Weeks PTO Accrued Annually

• DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Council and People Engagement Programs

• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities