Senior Extrusion Engineer

About Atomic13

Atomic13 is an innovative startup transforming the aluminum extrusion industry through advanced manufacturing technology and sustainable aluminum production. We are building a next-generation aluminum extrusion facility in Tennessee, incorporating state-of-the-art equipment, advanced automation, and proprietary shear extrusion technology.

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Extrusion Engineer to help bring our first commercial extrusion press and manufacturing line into operation. This is an opportunity to help lead critical activities from factory testing through commissioning and commercial production, taking ownership rather than simply operating an existing factory.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will bring a strong mechanical engineering background, hands-on experience operating and optimizing aluminum extrusion presses, and practical extrusion process knowledge. Working directly with our press manufacturer during factory testing and validation, this engineer will take ownership of assigned technical deliverables and support equipment installation, commissioning, process optimization, and production ramp-up.

The role requires international travel and extended support in Germany, with the intention to relocate to Portland, Tennessee as the manufacturing operation develops. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable troubleshooting equipment on the factory floor, collaborating with suppliers, and coordinating practical engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Factory Testing

• Support and lead assigned aspects of factory acceptance testing (FAT), mechanical and hydraulic validation, and operational testing of a new heavy-duty aluminum extrusion press.

• Participate in extrusion trials, process development, equipment troubleshooting, and performance validation.

• Work closely with the press manufacturer to understand equipment functionality, control systems, and operating requirements.

• Develop process documentation and operating procedures to support commissioning in the United States.

Equipment Installation and Commissioning

• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of the complete extrusion line, including the press, billet handling and heating, quenching, pullers, saws, and downstream equipment.

• Coordinate assigned technical work with equipment OEMs, contractors, and automation integrators, including schedules, deliverables, and issue resolution.

• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, process, and equipment integration issues.

• Support site acceptance testing (SAT), operational readiness, and transition into commercial production.

• Support industrial automation and control system integration, working with suppliers and integrators as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

• Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, or optimizing aluminum extrusion presses.

• Strong understanding of extrusion process engineering, mechanical equipment, and hydraulic systems.

• Practical, hands-on problem-solving skills and experience working directly with production equipment.

• Ability to own technical workstreams and collaborate across suppliers, contractors, and engineering teams.

• Ability to support international travel for extended periods and willingness to relocate to Tennessee.

Highly Desirable

• Experience commissioning aluminum extrusion presses or complete extrusion lines (highly valued but not mandatory).

• Experience with heavy industrial equipment installation, startup, or factory acceptance testing.

• Familiarity with industrial automation, PLC-controlled equipment, and automation integrators.

• Knowledge of extrusion metallurgy, die design, quenching, and heat treatment.

• Experience ramping up new production equipment or working in a greenfield manufacturing facility.

Why Join Atomic13?

Help build a factory from the ground up, work directly with leading equipment manufacturers in Germany, and contribute to proprietary shear extrusion technology. You will play a meaningful role in establishing Atomic13’s first commercial manufacturing operation, with opportunities to grow into broader technical or leadership responsibilities as the company expands.