Lead Mechanical Engineer, Motor Generator

panthalassa

Portland, Oregon

Full Time

Posted January 14, 2026

$175k - $250k

Renewable Energy Development

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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-based energy systems, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable, and efficient solutions for marine energy deployment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and integration of generator and motor systems.
Define system-level performance requirements and design goals.
Iterate mechanical designs to optimize electromagnetic, acoustic, and thermal behavior while ensuring manufacturability.
Design and analyze components such as stators, rotors, shafts, housings, bearings, and seals using FEA tools.
Select materials and coatings suitable for long-duration marine deployments.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marine operations, controls, and systems engineering.
Design for manufacturability, offshore assembly, and in-field serviceability.
Conduct technical reviews with internal teams and external vendors.
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.
Utilize CAD and PDM tools to develop and manage mechanical designs.

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, specifically with high-end CAD tools such as NX.
Expertise 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.
Ability 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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