Lead Mechanical Engineer, Motor Generator

panthalassa
Portland, Oregon
Full Time
Posted January 10, 2026
$175k - $250k
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Application opens on company website

Job Description

The Lead Mechanical Engineer, Motor Generator will oversee the design, development, and integration of rotating machinery for ocean energy devices, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable, and efficient systems suitable for harsh marine environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and integration of generator and motor systems.
  • Define and own system-level performance requirements and design goals.
  • Iterate mechanical designs to optimize electromagnetic, acoustic, and thermal behavior while ensuring manufacturability.
  • Perform structural, modal, and fatigue analysis using FEA tools.
  • Select materials and coatings suitable for long-duration marine deployments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and alignment.
  • Design for manufacturability, offshore assembly, and in-field serviceability.
  • Conduct technical reviews with internal teams and external vendors.
  • Develop and manage project documentation, including Design Verification Plans and tolerance analysis.
  • Work with vendors to ensure practical, cost-effective, and scalable designs.
  • Mentor technicians during prototyping, testing, and fabrication.
  • Perform root cause analysis and iterate designs based on test data and failures.

Requirements

  • A degree in mechanical engineering or similar
  • At least 5 years of experience in mechanical design of rotating electrical machines
  • Knowledge of E-motor design principles, operation, testing and reliability
  • Knowledge of different E-motor and generator technologies such as SPM, IPM, WFSM, IM, Axial Flux, SyRM etc.
  • Familiar with different cooling technologies including air, oil, water, hybrid cooling methods
  • Strong 3D CAD modeling experience using industry-standard tools such as NX
  • Expert in GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Skilled in structural FEA, modal, and fatigue analysis using industry-standard software such as Ansys, Abaqus, NX Nastran
  • Hands-on experience with integration, assembly, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems
  • Proven ability to lead end-to-end design, build, test, and deploy cycles across multiple projects
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to independently drive complex projects forward
  • High technical curiosity and a passion for learning
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to extract insights from data and apply findings to design updates
  • Willingness to travel to vendors and test sites as needed
  • Intermittently able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs

Benefits & Perks

Cash compensation of 175,000 - 250,000 USD
Equity in the company
Flexible paid time off
Health insurance (100% paid for full-time employees, partners, and dependents)
Dental insurance (100% paid for full-time employees, partners, and dependents)
Vision insurance (100% paid for full-time employees, partners, and dependents)
Disability insurance (100% paid for long-term financial support if disabled)
Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
Relocation assistance to Portland, Oregon

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