Senior Mechanical & Fluid Test Engineer

Panthalassa; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 175,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Panthalassa in Portland, Oregon seeks a Senior Test Engineer for Mechanical and Fluid Systems to design, build, and operate large-scale test equipment for hydraulic turbines, powertrains, and high-power systems. You will own test systems end to end—from concept through fabrication and deployment at sea—collaborating with shop teams and vendors.

This role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, machining, and additive manufacturing with a strong emphasis on safety and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 7+ years designing, building, and testing large-scale mechanical, structural, or fluid systems.
• Expert-level Siemens NX for structural design and fabrication drawings. Teamcenter or similar PLM.
• Hands-on experience with machining (mills, lathes) and professional 3D printing for prototypes and fixtures.
• Design of custom machined and welded components for fixtures and structures.
• Understanding of ASME/ANSI piping and pressure vessel codes. Familiarity with NFPA 79.
• Industrial safety practices (DFMEA, PFMEA, HAZOP).
• Working knowledge of electrical power systems and connector selection.
• Experience directing skilled trades and subcontractors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, and operate custom test rigs for hydraulic turbines, powertrains, and power electronics systems.
• Design load-bearing test structures, frames, stands, weldments, tank supports, rigging, and lifting fixtures with fabrication drawings.
• Design fluid systems and piping networks, including flow and pressure-drop analysis and the sizing and selection of pumps, valves, regulators, and piping.
• Design process piping and plant layouts for rapid deployment; design tanks and vessels for large-volume fluid storage.
• Develop P&IDs, test methodologies, procedures, and safety protocols for test systems.
• Machine, 3D print, and assemble prototype parts and fixtures; decide what to make in-house vs outsource.
• Integrate mechanical systems with electrical, controls, and data acquisition systems in cross-functional teams.
• Direct technicians, tradespeople, and subcontractors; manage vendor procurement.
• Perform hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and post-test data review.
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and set design/analysis standards.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermo & heat transfer

Structural analysis

Machining

3D printing

Piping design

Safety analysis

Electrical power systems

Vendor management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter (PLM)

3D printing

Job description

Panthalassa in Portland, Oregon seeks a Senior Test Engineer for Mechanical and Fluid Systems to design, build, and operate large-scale test equipment for hydraulic turbines, powertrains, and high-power systems. You will own test systems end to end—from concept through fabrication and deployment at sea—collaborating with shop teams and vendors.

This role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, machining, and additive manufacturing with a strong emphasis on safety and cross-functional collaboration.