Mechanical Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Mechanical Systems Engineer – Wildfire Defense

CR Buildworks | Napa, CA | Office and field work
Annual salary: $80,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications

Engineer systems that protect people, properties, and communities.

CR Buildworks designs and builds advanced wildfire defense systems for large estates, wineries, municipalities, and private residences.

We’re looking for a hands-on engineer who can take responsibility for the design and performance of our systems, from hydraulic calculations and component selection through assembly, testing, and field operation.

Based out of our Napa office, you’ll work directly with company principals and our project manager, guide our construction team, and coordinate with specialized subcontractors. As our sole engineer, you’ll take a lead role in technical decisions, help develop new products and build an engineering team as the business continues to grow.

What you’ll do

• Design and engineer wildfire defense systems, including pump sizing, piping layouts, manifolds, proportioning equipment, and material selection. Support pricing and estimating efforts with these selections.
• Calculate flow requirements, friction losses, and operating pressures to ensure reliable system performance.
• Develop 3D models, drawings, and assembly details using SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Select and specify components suited to each project’s operating conditions and installation requirements.
• Work directly with clients at key stages of each project to gather design requirements, explain how their system works, and provide hands-on training in system operation.
• Direct and at times supervise construction crews on system assembly, installation, maintenance, and operation.
• Perform higher-level commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and technical field work.
• Integrate hydraulic and mechanical systems with electrical equipment, generator systems, controls, and automation.
• Define operating requirements and control sequences for our automation subcontractor, and help verify that completed systems perform as intended.
• Support multiple projects from design through installation, balancing immediate field needs with ongoing engineering work.
• Improve system designs, documentation, and assembly practices, and contribute to new product development.

Early priorities include supporting a large system build in Big Sur while designing and engineering systems for other locations.

What you’ll bring

• An engineering degree with education in hydraulics or fluid mechanics.
• Hands-on experience with pumps and pressurized piping systems.
• A firm understanding of flow and pressure calculations, friction loss, and material compatibility.
• Practical experience working with stainless steel, copper, HDPE, and PVC piping.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, generators, PLC programming concepts, and automated controls sufficient to guide specialized subcontractors and troubleshoot system integration.
• The ability to translate engineering designs into clear, practical direction and documentation for a construction team.
• Sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while coordinating closely with leadership and field crews.
• Willingness to split time between our Napa office and project sites, with occasional travel to support remote projects.

Experience taking systems from initial design through field commissioning is especially valuable.

Why join CR Buildworks?

Your work will serve a clear purpose: helping protect communities and properties from wildfire. You’ll see your designs built and operated in the field, work directly with decision-makers, and have meaningful influence over the systems we develop and how we build them.

As the company continues to grow, there is room to expand your responsibilities, develop new products, and help build and lead an engineering team.