Critical Energy
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Systems Thermal & Fluid Dynamics
Hawthorne, CA · Senior
Sponsorship not specified$140k-$200kDetected 91 days ago
PythonSupply ChainCATIASiemens NXANSYSFEACFDThermal AnalysisSystems EngineeringMechanical DesignCommunicationCritical ThinkingThermodynamics
About the role
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
Requirements
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent, Numeca)
- Identify, outline, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation
Nice to have
- 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
Compensation
- Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum
- Several annual social and team building outings
Benefits
- Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.
- Equity options
- 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical
- 100% company-covered dental and vision
Company info
- To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.
- 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!
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