---
title: 'Mechanical Build & Maintenance Lead at Via Separations, Inc.'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-build-maintenance-lead-via-separations-inc-watertown-vn3aejtqea28'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Mechanical Build & Maintenance Lead at Via Separations, Inc.

- **Company:** Via Separations, Inc.
- **Location:** Watertown, MA
- **Compensation:** $81k–$110k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-07-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/viaseparations/d90b104e-4e90-4467-899e-c5fff3aa9a13

## Job description

Via Separations is a Boston-area startup dedicated to enabling process efficiency and intensification for the industrial sector. In 2024, Via delivered its first commercial facility and changed the narrative around market-driven energy technologies that drive value for industrial customers.  At the intersection of engineering, society, and impact, our team is passionate about making a difference and building the technology and organization to do it.  We are a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team backed by leading venture capital firms, and we are looking to add talented, mission-driven people to our cohort.

We are passionate about transformative impact, optimistic about scientific progress, and unafraid of hard problems. We believe that our people are our unfair advantage, and drive our mission forward. We embrace the diversity of our team for creative solutions and believe the best ideas come from the intersection of disciplines and perspectives. We want you to join us!

## Role Description

Via Separations is seeking a Mechanical Build & Maintenance Lead to join our Internal Systems group. As the Mechanical Build & Maintenance Lead, you will lead the assembly, fabrication, and build-out of internal test equipment, including test skids and pilot support systems consisting of pumps, controls, piping, valves, instruments, and wiring. You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting existing test skids and assets. This is a hands-on technical leadership position requiring the ability to read and work from engineering drawings, source and order material, and operate hand and shop tools safely while working around hazardous liquids and gases. This role is based on-site in Watertown, MA, with primary work in our lab space, and may involve occasional travel to support field-deployed pilot units. Responsibilities Include: Build & Assembly Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids, including pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and electrical/wiring components. Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications to plan and execute builds accurately. Order and track material required for builds, coordinating with engineering and procurement to ensure correct specifications and timely delivery. Use hand tools and shop equipment — including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines — to fabricate and install piping and structural components. Lead build sequencing and task assignment for assigned projects, ensuring work meets quality and safety standards. Support shipping and receiving activities as needed, including building crates and packaging large items and equipment for outgoing freight. Coordinate with external trades, including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors, to support the installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of laboratory equipment and lab facility systems in support of lab test equipment. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Maintain, inspect, and repair existing test skids and internal systems to keep them in safe, reliable operating condition. Troubleshoot mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical issues on test equipment, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Coordinate with process and systems engineers on equipment modifications, upgrades, and recurring issues. Safety & Leadership Work safely and confidently around hazardous liquids and gases, following all relevant safety protocols and PPE requirements. Serve as a technical lead for build and maintenance activities, mentoring other colleagues and helping enforce shop safety and quality standards. Identify and escalate safety concerns, near-misses, or process deviations promptly. Required Qualifications: 10+ years of hands-on experience assembling, fabricating, and maintaining mechanical and piping systems, including pumps, valves, piping, instrumentation, and basic electrical wiring. Ability to read and work directly from engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications. Experience using hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines. Comfortable and safety-conscious working around hazardous liquids and gases. Experience ordering or specifying material for fabrication or maintenance work. Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, piping, and basic electrical/controls systems. Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO) and high-pressure system components, operation, and safe handling. Ability to lead tasks and provide direction to others on a build or maintenance job. Able to work independently with minimal oversight, prioritizing and managing tasks with sound judgment. The position requires the use of PPE (eye protection, respirator, etc.) and strict adherence to safety procedures when working with hazardous liquids and gases, pressurized systems, and powered shop equipment. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, undergo background and drug screening, and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication tasks. U.S. work authorization is required for this role. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in a lab, industrial test/fabrication, or field equipment deployment environment. Familiarity with plumbing, pipefitting and/or piping codes and material standards (e.g., ASME B31.3) and basic instrumentation/controls wiring. Experience with chemical process equipment or corrosive service materials (e.g., stainless steel, specialty alloys.) We Offer: Competitive compensation package, including equity options Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Disability & Life Insurance 401(k) 12 weeks paid Family Leave Flexible PTO Paid time off for Company holidays Onsite gym

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Via may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role!

At Via, we value and prioritize diversity of thought, access, and experiences, and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

## About Via Separations, Inc.

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Via Separations develops proprietary membrane filtration systems that eliminate up to 90% of the energy used in industrial thermal separation processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs for manufacturers.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C-II; total funding ~$93.7M)
- **Headquarters**: Watertown, Massachusetts, United States
- **Founded**: 2017
- **Founders**: Shreya Dave (CEO) and Brent Keller (CTO) are often cited as co-founders (spun out of MIT)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Industrial manufacturing, clean technology, chemical processing, pulp & paper, refining, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals
- **Target customers**: B2B – enterprise industrial manufacturers, chemical refineries, and waste treatment facilities
- **Mission**: “We believe that growth and sustainability are not in conflict. We can improve manufacturing competitiveness by lowering costs and energy.”

## Products & Services
- **[ViaForge™ Membrane Technology]**: A proprietary membrane material that withstands extreme pH, strong acids, and oily process water. Replaces energy-intensive thermal separations (e.g., distillation) with efficient filtration, reducing energy use up to 90%. Deployed at commercial scale in pulp & paper, chemicals, and refining.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding of ~$93.7M (as of early 2026), including a $36M round closed in April 2026
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: The Engine, Safar Partners, Prime Impact Fund, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), NGP Energy Capital Management, Climate Investment, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Aramco Ventures, Grantham Foundation, Embark Ventures
- **Growth Signals**:
  - 42 employees (+22% YoY)
  - New $36M funding in 2026 to expand into chemicals and refining
  - Active projects in organic & heavy metals removal, acid purification, sour water stripping, and crude fractionation
  - New website and growing LinkedIn presence (6,276 followers, +26.8% YoY)

## Competitive Advantages
- Hardened membrane material that operates in extreme conditions (pH, acids, temperatures) where traditional membranes fail
- Proven at commercial scale – no “green premium” required for adoption
- Eliminates up to 90% of energy used in separation processes, providing immediate operational cost savings
- Strong IP portfolio (16 patents filed) covering membrane technology, separation processes, and distillation

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling commercial deployment in the chemicals and refining verticals
- Expanding product offerings to address acid purification, sour water treatment, and crude fractionation
- Partnering with major oil & gas and chemical companies (e.g., Marathon, Aramco) to drive adoption in foundational industrial processes

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Interdisciplinary, optimistic, and impact-driven – “We are not afraid of hard problems.” Values include safety, integrity, transformative impact, and continuous learning.
- **Work Policy**: Primarily on‑site at Watertown, MA headquarters (current open roles are listed as on‑site)
- **Benefits**:
  - Competitive compensation including equity options
  - Flexible PTO and company holidays
  - 401(k) plan
  - Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
  - Disability & life insurance
  - 12 weeks paid parental leave
- **Engineering Culture**: Focus on real‑world materials science, hands‑on problem solving, and collaboration across disciplines. Small, growing team with exposure to the full stack of commercial deployment.

## Sources
1. [Via Separations Careers Page](https://viaseparations.com/careers/)
2. [Via Separations LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/viaseparations)
3. [Via Separations Jobs (Lever)](https://jobs.lever.co/viaseparations)
4. [Via Separations About Page](https://viaseparations.com/about/)
5. [CB Insights Company Profile](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/via-separations)

## Other roles at Via Separations, Inc.

- [Lead Mechanical Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-mechanical-technician-via-separations-inc-watertown-ppbr0ar596at) — Watertown, MA