ABOUT THE COMPANY
We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly
developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for
Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on
capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for
applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to
shore.
The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon,
and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university
endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in
which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis.
Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing,
Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic,
Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as
well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of
industries.
ABOUT THE JOB
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, Structures you will own the design,
development, and analysis of Node structures and subsystems from concept through
deployment at sea, ensuring their designs are simple, manufacturable, and
reliable in demanding offshore environments.
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 at our factory. The job requires a deep
understanding of load paths, design for manufacturability, welded structures,
subassembly design, and fabrication. We expect you to be especially strong in
analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics
approaches to problem solving. As one of the most experienced engineers on the
team, you will set the technical bar, serving as a person whose judgment the
team leans on when the right answer isn't obvious.
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Own the design, analysis, and development of Node structures, secondary
structures, and subassemblies.
* Perform structural and dynamic analysis (FEA, hand calcs, margins, etc.) to
validate designs including fatigue analysis.
* Steer system definition, layout, requirements, and verification.
* Create and maintain component and assembly CAD models.
* 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.
* Plan and support structural validation testing, from coupon/component tests
through prototype and at-sea trials.
* Collaborate with offshore operations, technicians, and manufacturing teams to
ensure designs are practical and buildable.
* Mentor less-experienced engineers and set design and analysis standards the
team builds on.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace
Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related technical field.
* 5+ years of experience in designing mechanical or structural systems for
complex hardware applications.
* Strong knowledge of strength and stability hand calculations for structural
sizing and model validation.
* Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and
associated analysis methods.
* Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes such as machining,
welding, forming, and joining methods.
* Proficiency with CAD software and assembly management.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across
multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval
Architecture, or a related technical field.
* 7+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing primary
structures subject to aerodynamic or hydrodynamic loads.
* Proficiency with NX/Teamcenter.
* Proficiency with NASTRAN/Simcenter.
* Experience designing welded steel structures.
* Experience utilizing relevant parts of codes/standards (e.g., DNV, ABS, AWS
D1.1, BPVC) for novel applications.
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.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
* Cash compensation of $160,000 - $210,000.
* 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).
LOCATION
This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland,
Oregon.