Founding Mechanical Engineer

EQ3; United States; On-site; USD 132,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

EQ3 is seeking a founding mechanical engineer to own hardware from first calculations through test. This hands-on role involves designing and building mechanical systems around high-speed rotating engines, with direct collaboration with suppliers and shops to bring hardware to life on a fast-growing team.

You’ll shape product direction, engineering processes, and the team as it grows, tackling CAD/analysis and test challenges in a dynamic startup setting.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Hands-on hardware design experience across multiple systems from concept through build and test.
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, heat transfer, structures and machine design.
• Comfortable with CAD and analysis tools; enjoy working in the shop and on the test stand.
• Thrives in a small, fast-moving team with ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design and own the mechanical systems around the engine: gas fuel systems, lube oil, cooling, inlet and exhaust.
• Design skids, structures and mounts for a high-speed rotating machine.
• Do calcs, CAD and analysis (FEA, CFD and thermal as needed).
• Work directly with suppliers and machine shops to get hardware built.
• Take systems through test, integration and commissioning.
• Help shape the product, the engineering processes and the team as it grows.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

CAD

FEA/CFD

Shop/test stand experience

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Analysis tools

Job description

We’re recruiting for a stealth, VC-backed startup that has just raised a $25M seed, with a Series A coming soon. They take retired jet engines and turn them into modular gas turbine power plants for AI data centers. Data centers can be built in months, but getting power from the grid takes years. This company puts megawatts of power on site in months.

The challenge

Jet engines are built to fly on jet fuel. This team needs them running on natural gas, 24/7, on the ground. That means redesigning the systems around the engine, and that’s where you come in.

The role

You’ll be one of the founding mechanical engineers, owning hardware from first calcs through to test. It’s hands-on: you do the engineering yourself.

What you’ll do

• Design and own the mechanical systems around the engine: gas fuel systems, lube oil, cooling, inlet and exhaust
• Design skids, structures and mounts for a high-speed rotating machine
• Do your own calcs, CAD and analysis (FEA, CFD and thermal as needed)
• Work directly with suppliers and machine shops to get hardware built
• Take systems through test, integration and commissioning
• Help shape the product, the engineering processes and the team as it grows

What they’re looking for

• BS or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Hands-on hardware design experience across multiple systems, from concept through build and test
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, heat transfer, structures and machine design
• Comfortable in CAD and analysis tools, and happy working in the shop and on the test stand
• Thrives in a small, fast-moving team with lots of ownership

Nice to have

• Gas turbine, jet engine, rocket, or other high-speed rotating machinery experience
• Test rig design and instrumentation
• Startup or early-stage hardware experience

Package

• Base salary up to $220K+ depending on experience