This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon .
Key Responsibilities
We are developing a core technology, the “Node”, that will operate in the worst conditions the world’s oceans have to offer for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous mechanical components and assemblies that must withstand extreme loads and a harsh ocean environment. You will be responsible for subsystems from inception through deployment, including initial trade studies, preliminary and detailed design, lab testing, commissioning, and deployment in the field. This position requires a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who thrives in ambiguity, can execute with autonomy, and is eager to take on end-to-end ownership, defining requirements and architecture and driving through design, prototype testing, and final build. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem solving.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
Serve as responsible engineer for core technology subsystems, which could include: primary and secondary structures, pressure- and seawater-tolerant electronics packaging, fluid systems, lab-based testing apparatuses, cable routing and layout, and ground-support equipment
Create and maintain component and assembly CAD models using NX and Teamcenter
Create detailed component and assembly drawings with a strong grasp of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-ups
Drive design trade studies and engineering reviews, helping document decisions and technical findings
Drive material selection and corrosion-conscious detailing for long-duration seawater service
Interface with external fabricators and vendors
Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out prototyping, testing, fabrication, and development of operational and maintenance procedures
Mentor less-experienced engineers and set design and analysis standards the team builds on
Requirements
A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, marine engineering, or other engineering discipline
Extensive experience designing components, structures, and assemblies from a variety of materials (steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, composites, etc.)
5+ years 3D CAD modeling experience
Strong use of hand calculations for structural analysis
Experience with structural FEA
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to provide guidance and technical material to engineers, designers, technicians, and suppliers, adeptly receiving and incorporating their guidance and technical information into your approach
Confidence working independently to drive a project forward
A work history encompassing at least five design, build, test, deploy/release/produce cycles for different projects
Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, or a related field, or 5 years additional experience in lieu of an advanced degree
At least 5 years in a similar role
Experience designing packaging for electronics exposed to the marine environment
Experience with sheet metal part design
Experience with sealing methods including o-rings and gaskets
Experience designing piping systems that include pumps, valves, sensors, etc.
Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing in a professional, academic or recreational setting
Experience with rapid prototyping processes (3D printing, CNC-machining, laser cutting)
Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
Experience with NX/Teamcenter
Experience with finite element analysis (NX NASTRAN, FEMAP) software packages
Experience using Python, Julia, MATLAB, Mathematica, or another similar programming language for data review and analysis
Knowledge of engineering standards and best practices including ASME Y14.5
Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-starting, and demanding atmosphere
A curiosity to learn and a passion for continuous improvement
Solid understanding of technical projects from the details to the big picture
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills
Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.
Intermittently able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance.
Benefits & Perks
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
Cash compensation of $150,000 - $225,000.
Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Ready to Apply?
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