Senior Prototype Engineer

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.

About the Job 

We are developing a core technology that will operate in the worst conditions the world’s oceans have to offer. Building this technology involves significant rapid prototyping, fabrication, and metalwork. Our shop supports these activities and is critical to the company’s success. As our company grows, our organizational capabilities for equipment and hardware will also expand. 

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Galactic, 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. 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 technical team on the planet, and we compensate our team members accordingly.

Responsibilities 

• Use a variety of processes (3D printing, manual and CNC machining, welding, etc.) to design and manufacture prototypes and flight hardware
• Use CAD to design prototypes, fixtures and assemblies 
• Help other engineers with DFM 
• Develop new production processes and shop capabilities 
• Own design/build projects from cradle to grave 
• Do your part to keep the shop clean to ensure that the shop is orderly and well-maintained
• Support and help enforce safety culture 
• Help other employees with basic shop tasks and finding equipment, including engineers and researchers of varying backgrounds who are not necessarily familiar with hardware and shop organization 
• Order supplies, equipment and materials for projects and to support the shop
• Use computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets to create, document, and maintain the organizational systems 
• Assist around the shop in other ways as requested 

Requirements 

• You will be required to be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on ladders and platforms, with appropriate safety equipment. 
• You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as facilities, office management, and logistics. 

Qualifications

• You will be a strong candidate if you: 
• Have 5+ years of experience on the shop floor making prototypes using processes like machining, welding, laser cutting and 3D Printing. 
• Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent work experience
• Have experience working with a wide variety of manufacturing processes across a variety of materials 
• Have strong CAD skills (NX experience is a plus) 
• Have experience in 5 axis CNC machining (Hypermill experience is a plus) 
• Experience working with industrial controls and fluid systems 
• Work and communicate well with others, especially those who do not share your field of expertise
• Have a strong, self directed work ethic 
• Have a desire to drive continuous improvement 
• Have significant experience using computer software such as word processors and spreadsheets
• Are comfortable following instructions as well as pushing back on inadequate instructions 

Compensation and Benefits

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

• Cash compensation of $125,000 - $165,000.
• 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 help facilitate your move to Portland if needed.

Location 

Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon. This position requires daily on-site work.