Facilities Engineer

WHO WE ARE

Kunin Technologies is revolutionizing the critical mineral supply chain by implementing advanced separation technologies to capture value from overlooked resources.

Metals are everywhere, in solar panels, smartphones, electric vehicles, but as ore grades plummet globally, traditional extraction methods are failing. China dominates critical minerals markets by developing superior separation technologies that extract value from materials American mines discard as waste.

Utilizing Kunin Technologies' breakthrough performance, ion-exchange media significantly more value can be produced from each resource, reducing waste, and unlocking metal abundance.

To achieve metal abundance, humanity must bring separation science down its own Moore’s Law: fix the idiot cost index for micro and nano scale separation materials. This requires mass manufacturing novel ion-exchange media form factors which previously struggled from high costs.

THE ROLE

We are automating the roll-to-roll processing of ion-exchange media, and our demonstration line needs a home that never holds it back. You are responsible for the facility behind the line: power, process water, compressed air, HVAC and ventilation, chemical storage, and the fit-out, permitting, and contractor work that keeps installation and operation on schedule.

You are part of the plant engineering team in Chattanooga, TN, working directly with our VP of Manufacturing, the line engineering team, and outside contractors and trades.

This demonstration line becomes the basis of a greenfield manufacturing facility in Series A – B, at 10X the scale, with automated material handling and integrated back–end exchange media equipment packaging and integrated front-end continuous microfiber media sheet production.

This role matures into facilities lead of the greenfield facility: owning the facility basis of design, utility infrastructure, and site development from first layout through commissioning.

By the end of Q1 2027, we expect our demonstration line to be installed and operating at nameplate. By 2030, we want to be the world’s largest volume producer of ion-exchange media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utility systems for the demonstration line: power distribution, process water, compressed air, HVAC, and ventilation
• Facility fit-out and contractor management: layouts, installation scopes, permits, punch lists, and commissioning support
• Chemical storage, secondary containment, fire protection, and life safety systems with code officials and insurers
• Facility basis of design for the greenfield: utility load projections, building specifications, and site requirements
• Preventive maintenance programs for building and utility infrastructure

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering preferred.
• 3+ years in facilities engineering for industrial or manufacturing sites: chemicals, semiconductors, battery materials, or similar process industries.
• Has taken a facility from design through fit-out, permitting, commissioning, and steady-state operation.
• Experience with utility sizing, contractor and vendor management, and code and permitting processes.
• Ability to work in fast paced and demanding atmosphere
• Creative problem solving that brings together building systems, utilities, process requirements, and plant operations disciplines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Travel to partners' facilities may be intermittently required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Extended hours and weekends frequently required to support critical project milestones.

"The Whole World Is Ion-Exchange And The Rest Are Merely Details!"

Dr. Robert Kunin of Rohm and Haas, The Pioneer of the Ion-Exchange Industry, 1951