Senior Turbomachinery Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design EngineerCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.Critical Energy's technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world's energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!ResponsibilitiesTake ownership of the turbomachinery detailed CAD models, layout, and draft drawings per ASME Y14.5 to document and communicate your designs; collaborate with other engineers on checking and reviewing models & drawingsFind unique design solutions by integrating your own innovations with requirements and opportunities found by other subject-area experts (such as turbomachinery, fluid systems, electrical systems, and development test)Perform hand calculations and structural analyses via finite element analysis to validate your design; collaborate with other engineers on checking and reviewing analysesDrive your project to delivery by supporting the fabrication, assembly, and testing of the hardware you have designed; review production issues and proactively hunt for solutionsSupport Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvementsDevelop innovative design concepts for new machines or fluid systemsOther related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience5+ years of proven experience in a mechanical design role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving complex machineryA solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science as it pertains to system sizing and modelingFamiliarity with basic design for manufacturing (DFM) principles for 5-axis, CNC machined and 3D printed metallic turbomachinery componentsFamiliarity with designing for casting, forging, additive, precision grinding, gear / spline hobbing and / or similarFamiliarity with choosing appropriate fastener torques / preloadsFamiliarity with sealing design and choosing corresponding sealsFamiliarity with high-performance polymers used in bushings / sealsProficiency in applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5)Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NXYou have created CAD models of parts that were actually produced and assembled into a machineExcellent analytical and critical thinking skillsHighly self-motivated; Effective communication and team-working skillsBasic ExperienceExperience with assemblies and secondary systems common to engines and generators, like piping, fittings, valves, pumps, sensors, and actuatorsBuilding and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function of all individual piece parts—you can set up an assembly in CAD that is both digitally robust and easy to assemble in the real worldExperience with stress and thermal hand calculations on components and assemblies to ensure they can withstand operational loads and temperaturesExperience with finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent)You have prototype and production level experience with detailed manufacturing drawings with appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T)You take responsibility to personally talk to machinists / technicians about the GD&T on your drawings and then implement their feedback to make the product betterYour drawings are a cohesive piece of documentation and not just a random assortment of views with dimensionsYou have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturabilityYou are effective and respectful in communicating with other engineers even when it is controversial or regarding errors that you have observed or have been observed in your workKnowledge of common materials and manufacturing methods; you can look at most objects around you and identify the possible ways they were made and what general type of material they were made fromExperience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation, including design reviews, process specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs)Bonus ExperienceIn-depth knowledge of the design and operation of specific types of turbomachinery (e.g., gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal pumps)You have personally made and assembled metal or plastic parts that were included in a machine BOM and successfully operatedExperience with rotating machinery and their sub-components like rotors, stators, bearings, seals, housings/casings, high performance shafts, etc.Understanding of how to manage leakage flow and its impact on thrust managementExperience with analyzing static structural, vibration, and fatigueExperience with rotordynamics analysis including bearing design and selectionHands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modificationsProven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environmentCAD experience with mechanical routing and / or surface modelingCompensationBase salary ranges from $140-200k per annumEquity options100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical100% company-covered dental and visionDaily catered lunchSeveral annual social and team building outings