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Full-Time

Senior Automation & Robotics Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

MycoWorks

MycoWorks

201-500 employees

Produces sustainable mycelium-based leather alternative

Food & Agriculture
Hardware
Energy
Social Impact
Biotechnology
Consumer Goods

Senior, Expert

Spartanburg, SC, USA

Category
Manufacturing Engineering
Robotics and Automation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Requirements
  • Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Degree (BS/MS)
  • Manufacturing Industry Experience (5+ Years - Preferably Food/Beverage, Consumer Products, Automotive, or Similar High-Volume Industries)
  • Process Design Knowledge (Equipment Design, Machine Safety, Throughput Modeling, Reliability Engineering, Etc.)
  • Automation & Controls Expertise (Robotics (ABB & Fanuc Preferred), AMR/AGV Technology (Geek+ Preferred), Material Handling & Conveyance Systems, Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Control Systems (Allen Bradley PLC/HMI), Etc.)
  • Project Management Proficiency (Scheduling, Budgeting, Resourcing, & Vendor Management)
Responsibilities
  • Support the continuous improvement of a new manufacturing process and a new production facility that produces one of the world’s most unique biomaterials.
  • Oversee the design, installation, and startup of critical manufacturing processes, including automated product transport via autonomous mobile robots (AMR), automated product storage via automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and automated product handling via robotic work cells.
  • Specify/design new equipment supporting high-volume production based on product transformational requirements and process operational criteria.
  • Research new technologies and implement automation solutions to improve manufacturing reliability and production throughput.
  • Develop technology master plans and design standards for manufacturing systems and automation equipment.
  • Provide technical direction to engineering firms, equipment vendors, and construction resources throughout all project phases (design through construction and commissioning).
  • Execute vendor acceptance testing and startup validation activities for new manufacturing equipment.
  • Provide technical troubleshooting support to the production operations team.

MycoWorks produces a leather alternative called Reishi™, made from mycelium, which is a part of fungus. This material is designed to be sustainable and is appealing to fashion brands and designers seeking eco-friendly options. Reishi™ has already been used in luxury products, such as handbags and hats. The company has recently expanded by opening a large facility in South Carolina, which is the first commercial-scale plant for Fine Mycelium™, allowing them to increase production to meet rising demand. MycoWorks stands out from competitors by focusing specifically on mycelium-based materials, which offer both sustainability and performance. The goal of MycoWorks is to capture a significant share of the growing leather goods market by providing a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$187.2M

Headquarters

Emeryville, California

Founded

2013

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

63%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The opening of a 136,000 square foot facility in South Carolina positions MycoWorks to significantly scale up production and meet growing demand.
  • Collaborations with high-profile brands and designers, such as Cadillac and Deadwood Studios, enhance MycoWorks' visibility and market credibility.
  • The appointment of experienced luxury sector professionals like Ginevra Boralevi to the leadership team strengthens the company's strategic direction and brand positioning.

What critics are saying

  • The high cost of scaling production facilities could strain financial resources and impact profitability.
  • Dependence on luxury markets may limit broader adoption and make the company vulnerable to economic downturns affecting high-end consumer spending.

What makes MycoWorks unique

  • MycoWorks' Reishi™ is derived from mycelium, offering a unique and sustainable alternative to traditional leather, unlike many competitors who use synthetic or animal-based materials.
  • The company has established the world's first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium™ plant, showcasing its commitment to scaling production and meeting market demand.
  • Strategic partnerships with luxury brands like Hermès and Ligne Roset highlight MycoWorks' penetration into high-end markets, setting it apart from other sustainable material startups.