Junior Mechanical CAD Designer

QUAISE ENERGY INC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Quaise Energy invites applications for a Junior Mechanical CAD Designer to support the design, development, and testing of millimeter wave drilling technologies. The role collaborates with mechanical, electrical, and RF engineers to produce production-ready CAD models, drawings, and assemblies for lab and field applications.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of CAD design experience, an associate degree or equivalent training, and familiarity with GD&T.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in drafting, mechanical design, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in mechanical CAD design, drafting, or engineering support.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed drawings using Creo.
• Support prototype development, assembly, and testing in lab and field environments.
• Assist with manufacturability assessments and integration considerations in design.
• Coordinate with engineers and project teams to align on specifications and BOMs.
• Participate in field visits for prototype installations and evaluations.

Skills

PTC Creo proficiency

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree or drafting/mechanical design training

Tools

Windchill/PLM system

Job description

Quaise Energy is unlocking Earth’s deep heat to deliver clean, reliable, baseload energy at scale – almost anywhere in the world. As both a technology innovator and project developer, Quaise builds and operates solutions that harness superhot geothermal energy far below the surface, enabling power generation that can rival the output of today’s most efficient fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Leveraging millimeter wave drilling, developed after more than a decade of research at MIT, Quaise’s mission is to make superhot geothermal a backbone of the modern energy system, offering affordable, zero-carbon power and true energy independence for communities and nations everywhere.Quaise is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Jr. Mechanical CAD Designer to support the design, development, and testing of millimeter wave drilling technologies. This role works closely with mechanical, electrical, and RF engineers to create detailed mechanical models, drawings, and prototype assemblies for both laboratory and field applications.The Jr. Mechanical CAD Designer will support the development of mechanical systems and components by creating production-ready CAD models and drawings, assisting with prototype builds, and collaborating with engineering teams to improve manufacturability, assembly, and overall system integration. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career designer who enjoys hands-on work in a fast-paced R&D environment and is interested in growing their technical capabilities alongside an experienced engineering team.Essential functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)Utilize CAD software to create, modify, and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.Support the design and development of prototype mechanical systems and components for lab and field applications.Collaborate with engineers and project managers throughout the design process to ensure components meet functional and manufacturing requirements.Assist with prototype assembly, fit-up verification, and general mechanical troubleshooting activities in lab environments.Support engineering teams in evaluating manufacturability, assembly sequencing, and mechanical integration considerations.Assist with identifying and coordinating standard mechanical components and commercially available hardware for prototype assemblies.Participate in testing activities, including setup support, data collection, documentation, and general workshop activities.Maintain organized CAD files, drawings, BOMs, and related engineering documentation.Participate in occasional field visits to support prototype installations, testing, and evaluation activities.Perform other related duties as assigned.CompetenciesProficiency with PTC Creo or similar CAD software required. Experience with Windchill or PLM systems preferred.Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and mechanical assemblies.Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards preferred.Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a hands-on technical setting.Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and team members.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Ability to interact well with customers and co-workers, in the field and the office.Supervisory responsibilitiesThis role does not include formal people-management responsibilities.Education and ExperienceAssociate’s degree or formal training in Drafting, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Technology, or a related technical field required. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.1-3 years of experience in mechanical CAD design, drafting, or engineering support environments preferred.Experience supporting prototype development, manufacturing, or industrial mechanical systems is preferred.Exposure to machining, fabrication, assembly processes, or industrial equipment is a plus.Experience working in R&D, energy, industrial, or manufacturing environments is preferred but not required.Experience in well drilling, completion, stimulation, architecture or related technology or mineral exploration.Physical requirementsThe employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, as well as use hands to feel, reach, grasp, handle, or operate objects, tools and/or controls.The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, transfer, or move items up 20 pounds at times for departmental needs.Ability to move from one worksite to another or light travel to various job sites and locations to complete tasks.The vision requirement includes reviewing written and electronic materials in digital and physical format.Other dutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within this job classification at any time.Affirmative Action/EEO statementQuaise Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status or age.