Lead Structures Engineer

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.

We are seeking a Lead Structures Engineer to join our team and provide technical leadership for the mechanical design and development of our core technology, the "Node." The Node is a device designed to produce energy in the harshest ocean conditions for extended periods without maintenance. This role is crucial to the success of our mission.  You will be responsible for the hull and the team that form the backbone of our Nodes.

This is a role that requires deep structural design experience, ability to make outstanding technical contributions, and leadership abilities that are effective in a humble and high performance culture.  While defining the design for our Nodes, you will build and manage a team to support the future iterations of our Nodes. The ideal candidate is a technical expert and a practical builder comfortable with personally conducting detailed design work, values working alongside our manufacturing team, and is a skilled leader who has well developed interpersonal skills and a passion for developing others.  You must thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke, Boeing, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Galactic, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, Bridgewater Associates, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments.

We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet and we compensate our engineers accordingly.  If you are an excellent engineer and technical leader, regardless of your background, we want you to apply. 

• Accountable for the Node Hull structural design and integrity.
• Accountable for the team that defines the Node primary and secondary structures.
• Lead and participate in design reviews with the internal team and interface with external fabricators and vendors.
• Mentor and guide other engineers and designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Oversee project documentation and create detailed engineering releases using drawings and GD&T as appropriate.
• Partner closely with our Manufacturing and Operations team to produce new Node designs and design increments that achieve targets for cost and performance.
• Develop and maintain expert level use of CAD software personally and within the team for engineering definition and release.

• A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, marine engineering, or another related engineering discipline.
• Extensive experience designing components, structures, and assemblies from a variety of materials.
• 10+ years of 3D CAD modeling experience.
• 5+ years experience with large scale, safety critical welded steel structures.
• Strong fundamental skills with hand calculations and experience with structural FEA.
• Demonstrated experience building teams, leading, and mentoring other engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide guidance to and receive it from engineers, designers, technicians, and suppliers.
• A work history that includes at least five design, build, test, deploy/release/produce cycles for complex systems/vehicles.

• An advanced degree in a relevant engineering field or 5 years of additional experience.
• 5+ years in a similar role.
• Proficiency with NX/Teamcenter.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals relevant to marine systems (welded structures, mechanical assemblies, hydraulics/pneumatics, industrial automation & data acquisition, etc.)
• Experience with a programming language like Python, Julia, or Mathematica.
• Knowledge of engineering standards such as ASME Y14.5.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.

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.

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

• Cash compensation of $235,000 - $285,000
• 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 and 100% for 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).

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