Prototype Technician, Rotating Machinery
panthalassaPortland, Oregon
Full Time
Posted March 12, 2026
$45 - $55/hr
Apply Now
Application opens on company website
Job Description
The role involves supporting the manufacturing, assembly, and troubleshooting of hydro turbines and generators for ocean energy devices, working closely with engineers to translate designs into robust hardware suitable for deployment at sea.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble hydro turbine components such as rotors, stators, shafts, bearings, seals, and housings with high dimensional accuracy
- Assemble generator components including rotor-shaft assembly, magnet handling, stator insertion, and mechanical fastening
- Perform stator-housing, stator-rotor, and turbine-generator integration and alignment
- Support trial builds, teardowns, re-assembly, and design iterations
- Conduct conventional machining operations such as lathe, milling, drilling, and grinding
- Interpret manufacturing drawings and CAD models to guide assembly and machining
- Collaborate with design engineers to suggest manufacturability improvements
- Design, fabricate, and validate custom fixtures, jigs, and alignment tools
- Utilize 3D printing for rapid prototyping of fixtures and mock-ups
- Perform dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools
- Document assembly procedures, inspection reports, and deviations
- Support prototype iteration cycles and root-cause analysis
- Contribute ideas to improve build repeatability, safety, and efficiency
Requirements
- Diploma or Associate degree in mechanical engineering, Tool Die, Electromechanics, or Manufacturing technology
- Experience in turbo-machinery, motors, generators, or rotating equipment prototype build and assembly
- Strong hands-on experience with precision mechanical assembly and conventional machining processes
- Working knowledge of GD T and tolerance interpretation
- Experience using 3D printing for functional prototyping or tooling
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to independently work on complex fixtures and assembly designs
- Strong problem-solving and hands-on troubleshooting ability
- High technical curiosity and a passion for learning
- Innovative mindset, comfortable designing solutions when standard tools don’t exist
- High attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- 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 45 - 55 per hour
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 support if disabled)
Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
Relocation assistance
Ready to Apply?
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