Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

panthalassa

Portland, OR

Full Time

Posted February 17, 2026

$100k - $175k

Renewable Energy Development

Apply Now

Application opens on company website

Job Description

This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon. This position requires daily on-site work .

Key Responsibilities

We are building hardware that has to survive real ocean conditions. That means constant prototyping, welding, fabrication, and iteration. Our shop is not a support function, it is central to the company’s success. As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding, you will design and build prototype and flight hardware, develop fixturing and production processes, and help shape the long-term capabilities of our shop.
You will work side-by-side with engineers and machinists to turn concepts into hardware quickly and correctly. You will own weldments and assemblies from drawing to finished part, provide direct DFM feedback to design engineers, and help ensure the shop runs safely and efficiently. Good work in this role looks like strong hardware, clean welds, practical fixtures, clear documentation, and a shop that gets better every month.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. You will own your designs cradle-to-grave, from first concept through fabrication and deployment at sea. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
Design and manufacture prototype and production hardware using welding, machining, CAD, and additive processes
Fabricate and weld structural assemblies from engineering drawings
Develop and document production processes, work instructions, and shop capabilities
Provide direct DFM feedback to design engineers to improve manufacturability and cost
Design and build fixturing to support repeatable fabrication and assembly
Maintain shop organization, tooling systems, and equipment readiness
Enforce and model a strong safety culture in daily work
Order supplies and equipment; research tools, materials, and techniques to improve shop performance
Create and maintain documentation systems using standard office software
Support other teams as needed, including facilities, logistics, and operations

Requirements

5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience
Degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
Demonstrated experience with bending and sheet metal fabrication
Professional CAD experience (NX preferred)
Ability to read and interpret weldment drawings and engineering documentation
Demonstrated hands-on experience welding using FCAW processes
Experience with non-destructive evaluation methods, preferably ultrasonic testing (UT)
Experience working across a wide range of manufacturing processes and materials
Ability to follow instructions precisely and push back when instructions are incomplete or incorrect
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Self-directed work ethic with the ability to operate independently
Demonstrated drive for continuous improvement in tools, processes, and organization
Proficiency with standard computer software (word processors, spreadsheets)
Comfortable using a computer for documentation, communication, research, and basic data management tasks
Experience building hardware for harsh environments such as marine, aerospace, or heavy industrial systems
Experience developing new shop layouts or scaling fabrication capabilities in a growing organization
The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.
Willingness to support other teams across the company when needed.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Must be able to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day) and occasionally lift 50 pounds or more
Comfortable working at height (ladders and platforms) and in confined spaces with appropriate safety equipment and training

Benefits & Perks

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
Cash compensation of $100,000 - $175,000.
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: Flexible paid time off Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents) Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents) Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents) Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled) Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).