Optical engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Job Summary

:

The Engineer will plan, execute, and oversee engineering projects across metals recycling facilities in California and Nevada and potentially support projects in other North America regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning — Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans for yard infrastructure and equipment installations or upgrades.
• Contract Negotiation — Lead vendor and subcontractor negotiations, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and cost targets.
• Quality Control — Oversee construction and installation activities to ensure compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations.
• Subcontractor Management — Coordinate subcontractor activities, monitor progress, and resolve field issues.
• Timeline Development — Build and adjust project schedules, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Cost control – Track and manage approved capital budget until financial closing.
• Customer Representation — Maintain a professional presence when interacting with customers, partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Regional Support — Provide engineering guidance to multiple yards across California and Nevada, requiring periodic travel.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, structural, or civil engineering required.
• 3–5 years of engineering experience, ideally in industrial, heavy equipment, or recycling environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the full project lifecycle from initiation to closing.
• Strong communication skills and a professional demeanor in customer facing situations.
• Ability to work independently across multiple sites and manage competing priorities.
• Experience in metals recycling, scrap processing, or industrial facility design preferred.
• Familiarity with equipment foundations, material handling systems, or structural steel.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering tools.
• Knowledge of California and Nevada permitting or environmental compliance requirements preferred.
• Ability to travel within region (CA and NV) as needed (up to 40%) and travel within US (10-15%).

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.