Senior Mechanical Engineer

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 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.

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.

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:

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).