Principal Engineer – Membrane Element Design

Overview of Role

ZwitterCo is seeking a senior technical leader responsible for the design, development, and optimization of membrane elements used in separation processes. This role will take technical ownership of membrane element architecture, materials selection, performance optimization, manufacturability, and serve as a subject matter expert across the organization.

The Principal Engineer will play a strategic role in advancing membrane technology, supporting new product development, improving existing products, and mentoring the operations team.

About ZwitterCo

ZwitterCo has developed a breakthrough in materials science - a new class of zwitterionic membranes with unprecedented fouling resistance. Our membrane solutions perform beyond the limits of conventional filtration, making it practical to treat complex wastewater, purify water for reuse, and maximize efficiency in food processing applications.

ZwitterCo serves customers in more than 20 countries across food and beverage, agricultural, and industrial sectors. We are rapidly investing in our technology, equipment, and global services platform to help our industrial customers achieve their most ambitious sustainability and growth targets.

We are grateful to have been named as Fast Company’s Top Innovators of 2024 and featured on the 2025 & 2026 Global Cleantech 100.

Key Responsibilities:

As a key member of the Operations Team, the Principal Engineer will orchestrate the entire product development process, working across R&D, engineering, sales, and operations to deliver exceptional products.

Membrane Element Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and development of membrane elements (e.g., spiral-wound, hollow fiber, flat-sheet, or tubular configurations)
• Own element-level architecture including membrane chemistry integration, spacers, permeate carriers, adhesives, end caps, and housings
• Drive performance improvements related to product performance (flux, rejection, fouling resistance) and element durability
• Translate customer and application requirements into robust membrane element designs
• Serve as the technical authority for membrane element design decisions and tradeoff analyses

Materials & Process Integration

• Select and qualify membrane materials, backing materials, and ancillary components
• Partner with chemistry and materials teams to integrate membrane formulations into scalable element designs
• Optimize manufacturing processes such as rolling, potting, gluing, curing, and element assembly
• Support process validation, yield improvements, and cost-reduction initiatives

Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting

• Define and oversee element-level testing protocols (performance testing, pressure testing, fouling studies, lifetime testing)
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for field and manufacturing issues
• Support pilot studies, customer trials, and application-specific testing
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and internal qualification requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Management
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot to full production
• Engage with suppliers and contract manufacturers on technical specifications and quality requirements
• Provide technical support to Sales, Applications Engineering, and key customers when needed

Mentorship & Technical Excellence

• Mentor operation team in membrane design, materials, and manufacturing best practices
• Lead design reviews, failure reviews, and technical knowledge-sharing sessions
• Establish design standards, FMEAs, and documentation for membrane element platforms

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field (required)
• 10+ years of experience in membrane technology, separation processes, or advanced materials design
• Proven experience designing and commercializing membrane elements or closely related products
• Demonstrated leadership on complex, cross-functional development programs

Schedule, Travel, Compensation, and Location:

This is a full-time position in Woburn, MA. A flexible hybrid work-from-home/on-site model is permitted. CAD and design work can be done remotely, with an on-site presence required for hands-on prototyping, design meetings, and team collaboration.

This position will report directly to the VP of Operations.

Up to 25% domestic and international travel is expected to support development and scale up work at external manufacturers. 

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a benefits package and company equity.