Senior Systems Engineer, Thermal & Fluid Dynamics

Senior Systems Engineer

Critical 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 seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in thermal and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on system-level modeling, thermal management, and fluid flow analysis, primarily at the 1D level, across components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.

The ideal candidate will bridge system architecture, physics-based modeling, and product development, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.

The role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.

The title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.

Responsibilities:

• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets for thermal and fluid subsystems
• Own system PFD and P&ID
• Develop sub-system and system-level models to calculate steady, transient, and off-design thermal and fluid behavior using commercial analysis tools or in-house tools (e.g., Python code)
• Support system trade studies evaluating performance, efficiency, and cost impacts
• Support the integration of components including heat exchangers, pumps, fluid management systems, piping networks, and other auxiliary and support systems
• Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components, determine flow rates, estimate component and system efficiency, etc.
• Perform CFD and thermal analysis to evaluate heat transfer, pressure losses, flow distribution, and efficiency
• Identify, outline, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation
• Assist in the development of test plans and instrumentation strategies to validate thermo-fluid performance
• Analyze experimental data to refine models and improve system design
• Support development of control strategies related to thermal and fluid system performance
• Generate technical documentation including system specifications, modeling reports, design trade studies, test analysis reports
• Develop and manage relationships with third-party vendors
• Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements
• Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of proven experience in systems engineering or highly related role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving diverse and integrated machinery
• A solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science as it pertains to system sizing and modeling
• Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Highly self-motivated with effective communication and team-working skills

Basic Experience:

• Experience with components and sub-systems common to power generation or process plants, like heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, valves, piping, fittings, sensors, and fluid management systems
• Understanding of thermodynamic cycles (e.g., Rankine, Brayton)
• Experience generating 3D models and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function
• You have built 1D models of thermo-fluid systems using commercial software (e.g., Aspen, Dymola)
• Proven experience using Python or another coding language to build thermal and/or fluid models
• In-depth knowledge of the design and operation of heat exchangers and how to select the appropriate type for a given application
• Understanding of the applicable codes, compliance, and regulations pertaining to development, deployment, and commissioning processing or power generation hardware
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent, Numeca)
• You have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Turbomachinery, Dev Test, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• You 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 work
• Experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation including design reviews and component and system specifications

Bonus Experience:

• You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant
• Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for static structural, vibration, and fatigue using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, Catia)
• Hands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modifications