Mechanical Systems Engineering Co-op – Spring 2026

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’ technology is the first commercial implementation of membrane filtration in several difficult industrial applications.  Working under the guidance of the system engineering team, the Mechanical Systems Engineer Co-op will be responsible for the analysis, modeling, design, drafting, and development of our commercial membrane systems. You will be an integral member of the cross-disciplinary engineering team and work alongside our external engineering partners to bring both our pilot scale and commercial systems to fruitionThe role involves supporting, studying, understanding, and executing upon detailed project requirements and specifications. There will be opportunities to contribute to the development layouts for mechanical, structural, and piping systems of skid mounted integrated systems.

• Aid in equipment specifications, vendor documentation, and bill of materials.
• Support engineering and supply chain to develop part verification, inspection and approval related to Via's systems.
• Develop, modify, and maintain project-specific process design packages (P&IDs, BOMs, specifications, models, drawings)

• Ability to work on a full-time basis during the co-op term
• Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience using AutoCAD and 3d modeling  is desired. Via utilizes AutoCad Plant3d
• Familiarity with commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a design/manufacturing a plus
• Experience in engineering document management is desirable but not necessary
• Strong ability to manage time and quickly shifting priorities
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment 
• A clear interest in sustainability
• US work authorization is required for this role

Transportation

Via Separations is located at 64 Pleasant St in Watertown, MA. The office & lab space is a 2-minute walk from the Watertown Square bus terminal. There are Bluebikes stations nearby in addition to a parking lot dedicated to our office building.

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.