Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - R&D Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – R&D Systems 

Location: Petah-Tikva, On-site 

Employment Type: Full-time 

Helios is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for our cutting-edge chemical process R&D platforms. This role is a key technical focal point within our engineering team, driving the creation of lab-scale and pilot systems that support advanced chemical experimentation and process validation. 

About Helios 

Helios is a climate-tech startup developing novel metal refining technologies that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. We operate at the intersection of materials science, chemical engineering, and mechanical innovation. If you're passionate about building systems that shape the future of sustainable industry, we’d love to meet you. 

What You’ll Do 

• Lead the mechanical design of experimental systems and prototypes using Onshape CAD. 
• Develop assemblies and components for high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically aggressive environments (e.g., Na, NaOH, inert atmospheres). 
• Design vessels, heating mechanisms, insulation, and interfaces (flanges, seals, valves) with attention to thermal, mechanical, and safety performance. 
• Apply best practices and standards (e.g., ASME, ISO) for pressure systems, vacuum systems, and exotic materials (Nickel alloys, graphite, elastomers). 
• Oversee the full lifecycle of internal engineering projects: from concept and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) to procurement, assembly, testing, and iteration. 
• Collaborate with R&D teams to translate experimental needs into robust mechanical solutions. 
• Interface with suppliers and vendors, evaluate technical proposals, and support capital equipment sourcing and integration. 
• Design with manufacturability in mind, selecting suitable production methods (e.g., machining, sheet metal, 3D printing) for each component. 

What You Bring 

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. 
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design within knowledge-intensive industries (e.g., pharma, high-tech, food, automotive, defense, energy) – additional experience is an advantage. 
• Strong proficiency in CAD (Onshape or similar) and mechanical drawing for manufacturing. 
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and workshop practices. 
• Familiarity with designing for high-temperature, pressure, and chemically reactive environments. 
• Understanding of industrial automation components is a plus. 
• Excellent communication skills, both internally and externally. 
• Fluent in English (spoken and written). 
• Organized, proactive, and skilled at balancing ideal engineering with real-world constraints 

Why Join Us? 

At Helios, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team tackling some of the most exciting challenges in sustainable technology. You’ll have ownership, impact, and the opportunity to shape the future of our mechanical systems from the ground up.