Mechanical Engineer

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 Mechanical Engineer, you will support the design of numerous mechanical components and assemblies that must withstand extreme loads and a harsh ocean environment. You will support subsystem design through trade studies, CAD modeling, analysis, lab testing, and deployment preparation. 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze mechanical components and assemblies including structures, enclosures, fluid systems, and test 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
• Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out prototyping, testing, fabrication, and development of operational and maintenance procedures

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2-5 years of experience designing components, structures, and assemblies from a variety of materials (steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, composites, etc.)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling
• Strong use of hand calculations for structural analysis
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to incorporate feedback from engineers, technicians, and suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently
• A work history encompassing at least one design, build, test, deploy/release/produce cycle

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or additional industry experience
• Experience designing packaging for electronics in harsh environments
• Experience with sheet metal part design
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, prototyping, or testing
• Experience with NX/Teamcenter
• Exposure to instrumentation and controls (sensors, actuators)
• Programming or scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) for analysis and data review

Additional Requirements

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $125,000 - $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).

Location

Our offices, lab, shop, and manufacturing facilities are located in and near Portland, Oregon.