Why Möbius Industries
Möbius Industries is creating next-gen, fully automated recycling technology to redefine recycling. We believe industry (and the world) needs a cheaper, sustainable alternative to mining metals from the ground — so we invented a process that transforms urban waste into raw materials.
Our team is passionate, talented, and venture-backed. We hail from MIT, Tesla, Mach Industries (founding team), and more. We’re based out of Cambridge, MA.
Company Overview
Globally, we produce over 2 billion tons of waste annually, at an estimated cost of over $300B in waste management expense. Only a fraction is recycled, with especially low rates in bulky items/appliances. At the same time, our global supply of minerals is diminishing. Supply chains across the world face material shortages. Shortcomings in technology, infrastructure, and facility design have led to most of these items being sent to landfill. If we recycled all of the appliances and bulky items we throw away domestically, we would be able to meet the majority of material demand in the US. We have the opportunity to replace traditional mining ($3T) with urban mining, where materials are sourced in NYC and LA instead of Africa and Australia.
Job Description
We’re seeking an Optics/Sensing Systems Engineer to own all physics, optics, and spectrometry aspects of our sensing platform. In this high-ownership role, you will drive the development of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) systems to accurately identify metals, plastics, and other recyclables at high speed. This position is ideal for a hands-on researcher/engineer who thrives on rapid experimentation and is excited to push cutting-edge sensors from prototype to production-grade in a real-world product.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the optical sensing subsystem: Lead the design and integration of all physics/optics components – including lasers, imaging systems, spectrometers, and illumination – for material identification (LIBS, HSI, and related techniques).
- Rapid prototyping & experimentation: Quickly build and test sensor setups (optics, detectors, data acquisition) to evaluate performance. Iterate based on experimental results to improve accuracy and reliability in identifying diverse materials.
- Push to production-grade: Take our sensor system from lab prototype to robust industrial solution. Develop calibration procedures, alignment techniques, and rugged designs to ensure sensors run reliably 24/7 on a recycling conveyor.
- Data and signal processing: Develop or fine-tune the initial processing of spectral and imaging data (e.g. identifying spectral peaks or material signatures) so that sensor outputs are actionable for real-time sorting decisions. Work with the software/firmware team on implementing these algorithms efficiently.
- Cross-functional integration: Collaborate closely with firmware and controls engineers to integrate sensor outputs into the overall machine. Ensure that detection events translate into sorting actions (e.g. triggering motors/pistons) with precise timing. You’ll sync optical data capture with conveyor movement and robot/actuator control.
Qualifications / Ideal Candidate
- Strong physics & optics background: Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience). You understand optical principles and have worked with spectrometers, lasers, or imaging sensors.
- Spectroscopy and imaging experience: Familiarity with one or more advanced sensing techniques – e.g. LIBS, hyperspectral imaging, Raman, XRF, computer vision cameras – and the ability to interpret the data they produce. Prior experience identifying materials or chemicals with sensors is a plus.
- Hands-on prototyping skills: You’ve built or tinkered with hardware setups in lab or field environments. Comfortable aligning lenses, configuring lasers/cameras, writing basic scripts or firmware to collect data, and troubleshooting sensor issues on the fly.
- Bonus: Experience in robotics, industrial automation, or recycling technology. You might have built robotic systems or worked on advanced R&D projects and are now eager to apply that knowledge to solve a real-world environmental challenge.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Big Impact: Your work will directly shape core parts of our system