Roadrunner Venture Studios is seeking a contract Subject Matter Expert (SME) to develop and execute an experimental test program for a proprietary nozzle for the generation of two-phase flow targeting intermediate-temperature energy systems. The primary objective is to establish a reliable, repeatable methodology for thrust measurement, characterize the two-phase flow exiting the nozzle, and reduce system variables so testing is focused on nozzle performance.
Scope of WorkThe contractor will:
Develop and execute a test plan for a two-phase nozzle operating with geothermal working fluids and experimental refrigerants.
Design and validate a reliable thrust measurement system.
Characterize the spray leaving the nozzle, including gas-to-liquid ratio, droplet concentration, droplet distribution, and mixed-phase flow behavior.
Measure and analyze flow characteristics, pressure, temperature, and other critical performance parameters.
Reduce experimental variables to isolate nozzle performance and improve test repeatability.
Recommend and implement instrumentation and test fixtures required to produce high-confidence data.
Analyze results and provide recommendations to improve nozzle performance and overall test methodology.
M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
Hands-on experience with two-phase flow, organic rankine cycle systems, refrigerant testing, or nozzle/thrust measurement.
Strong experimental background with fluid systems, instrumentation, and test development.
Experience with compressor and refrigerant line design, HVAC or process engineering, or propulsion testing is highly desirable.
Ability to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to support testing.
Skills Required
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Hands-on experience with two-phase flow, organic rankine cycle systems, refrigerant testing, or nozzle/thrust measurement
- Strong experimental background with fluid systems, instrumentation, and test development
- Experience with compressor and refrigerant line design, HVAC or process engineering, or propulsion testing
- Ability to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico to support testing
What We Do
Roadrunner Venture Studios is a company creation factory. We co-found breakthrough deep-tech ventures with the nation’s most brilliant scientists, engineers, and innovators in Energy, Space, Clean Tech, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Quantum, and High Performance Computing. Our team gets involved at the earliest possible moment — often when a company is just a whiteboard scribble, a concept modeled in wire-frame, or as founders are puzzling through how to design a pitch deck or process payroll — and rapidly accelerates product development, commercialization, and recruitment. We are the ultimate company “starter-kit,” equipping our portfolio companies with everything they need to go from the kernel of an idea to a venture-backed growth engine. Our promise is clear: our founders leave our studio with a company, a check, a customer, and a team.
