Floe - Lead Engineer (Mechatronics) at 43North – Buffalo, New York

About Floe:Floe is a rapidly growing startup that has developed the smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for managing hazardous ice and snow on roofs and around the building envelope. Compared to existing solutions, our automated system safely and effectively addresses dangerous buildup while reducing operating costs by >40% and carbon emissions by >99%.
Originally spun out of MIT and Yale and tested with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Floe has been validated at dozens of sites in some of the world’s harshest winter environments. Our technology is trusted by major national retailers, state governments, and large commercial and residential property owners across the US and Canada. As we scale rapidly and expand into new verticals, we are building a team of talented, mission-driven people who value impact, precision, and integrity. Our team members thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment and have an excellent results-oriented track record. We are eager to recruit talented people who are driven, passionate problem-solvers and can bring new, diverse perspectives.
About the Role:Floe is entering an exciting new phase of growth, transitioning from successful initial installations to scaled deployments. We are seeking an Engineering Lead who will help bring structure, discipline, and operational rigor to our fast-moving engineering organization. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives on building systems and processes while remaining deeply engaged in technical work. You’ll partner closely with our CTO to ensure technical continuity, manage existing systems, lead new product development, and lay the foundation for scalable, high-quality engineering operations.
Responsibilities:Product & Systems Engineering

• Conceptualize, design, and test innovative mechatronic improvements and solutions, including mechanical structures, electronic circuits, and software integration, ensuring they meet design specifications and functional requirements.
• Manage existing systems and lead new product development to enhance system features, performance, and reliability.
• Gather and analyze customer and field feedback
• Manage projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure design decisions align with customer requirements, product reliability, manufacturability, and safety standards.

Manufacturing & Process

• Serve as liaison between engineering and our vendors and contract manufacturers.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners to maintain production and refurbishment processes, and identify improvements that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure consistent quality.
• Evaluate and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure scalability, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery and quality of components and materials.
• Lead the implementation of an MRP system to improve traceability, scheduling, and process efficiency.
• Oversee and enhance quality assurance processes to ensure all systems comply with industry standards and exceed customer expectations.

Customer Technical Support

• Provide technical support to customers and installers, addressing questions and resolving issues to maintain high satisfaction.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues reported by customers, offering innovative, effective solutions to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Conduct occasional on-site visits to support installation, testing, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with installers to ensure they fully understand and correctly execute installation processes.
• Develop training materials and oversee sessions for customers and installers, ensuring best practices and consistent quality.

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Create, maintain, and continuously improve detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, SOPs, installation guides, and certification records.
• Develop comprehensive customer-facing materials such as FAQs, manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
• Ensure all documentation reflects industry standards, lessons from the field, certification requirements, and QA/QC procedures.

Engineering Management & Leadership

• Mentor and manage interns and junior engineers; help scale a small, high-performance team as the company grows.
• Reinforce and build structured engineering processes, such as design reviews, documentation control, testing frameworks, and continuous improvement systems.

Qualifications:Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5-8 years of related engineering experience working on mechatronic or electro-mechanical systems.
• Proven ability to design, build, test, and troubleshoot hardware systems end-to-end.
• Experience leading technical projects or small teams; comfortable balancing hands-on work with leadership responsibilities.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g. OnShape, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to design complex assemblies and produce professional drawings for manufacturing and assembly.
• Experience with electronic circuit design and simulation software (e.g. Altium).
• Programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, and JavaScript.
• Proficiency with AWS and a solid understanding of databases and SQL.
• Experience implementing or using MRP/ERP systems.
• Experience in creating technical and customer-facing documentation.
• Strong understanding of standard manufacturing techniques and processes.
• Practical experience and familiarity with common mechanical and electrical tools, such as soldering and machining.
• Understanding of the construction industry and building envelope fundamentals.

Problem-Solving & Execution

• Excellent decision-making, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis abilities
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities with clarity and efficiency.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions, challenge assumptions, and continuously improve designs and processes.

Working Style & Communication

• Able to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail, clarity in written work, and professionalism in field interactions.
• Highly self-motivated with a strong bias toward action, honesty, and accountability.
• Dedicated to integrity, excellence, and doing right by customers, colleagues, and the environment.
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Willing to travel occasionally, domestically and internationally, when necessary.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Location: There is a strong preference for this to be a hybrid position based in Buffalo, NY, with the ideal candidate residing in Western New York. However, we are also open to exploring candidates based in the Northeast (NY, MA, CT), that are willing to travel to Buffalo occasionally.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be willing to submit to, and pass, a background check.
We’re excited to meet people who share our belief that thoughtful engineering can make the built environment safer and more sustainable.
Floe Inc is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.
CompensationThe base pay range for this role is $75,000 – $120,000 per year.