Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Marine Operations

NextGenEnergyJobs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Flexible working hours

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

NextGenEnergyJobs seeks a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Marine Operations, to lead the design, build, and testing of automated marine support equipment for offshore deployment and maintenance.

The role requires hands‑on leadership and a strong background in marine mechanical systems, with a focus on reliability and safety in harsh ocean environments. The position is on-site in Portland, OR, offering a competitive compensation package and equity, with relocation assistance and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience owning hardware development from concept through commissioning.
• Marine/offshore systems exposure is strongly preferred.
• Ability to perform structural FEA and design optimization.
• Leadership in engineering development, fabrication, or operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test bespoke mechanical assets for automated deployment and maintenance of offshore assets.
• Drive cradle-to-grave development with analyses, CAD designs, and readiness checks.
• Support offshore operations through commissioning and sustaining engineering.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex mechanical challenges.

Skills

5+ years experience

Offshore operations

3D modeling (Siemens NX)

FEA analysis

Vendor management

Travel to vendors

Education

BS or higher in mechanical engineering

Job description

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Marine Operations

This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon .

Key Responsibilities

• Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean’s harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.
• Once our nodes leave the manufacturing facility, they must be deployed, operated, and maintained safely and reliably across vast oceanic regions—all at an unprecedented scale and at reduced cost. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Marine Operations, you will play a critical role in overcoming these challenges by designing, building, and testing bespoke support equipment that facilitates automated deployment, retrieval, inspection, and maintenance of our offshore assets.
• In this role, you will drive the development of essential mechanical assets from cradle to grave. You will conduct trade studies to identify optimal system architectures, perform engineering analyses, create detailed designs, and bring these designs to operational readiness. Additionally, you will support offshore operators utilizing these tools through initial commissioning and sustaining engineering.
• Engineers who are hands‑on and solutions‑oriented, with exposure to the breadth of mechanical disciplines, will thrive in this role. A passion for lifelong learning is a requisite. If you thrive in a high‑stakes, fast‑paced environment and are eager to develop the next generation of offshore energy infrastructure, we want to hear from you.
• Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments.
• We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet, and we compensate our team accordingly.
• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for the development of novel automated marine support systems (aspects of these systems may include steel structures/weldments, mechanisms, pneumatics/hydraulics, and industrial controls/data acquisition).
• Complete trade studies to identify preferred architectures/requirements.
• Carry out relevant engineering analysis individually and manage the support of subject matter experts as required.
• Detail the design of mechanical equipment (CAD modeling, development of schematics, etc.).
• Execute and oversee the fabrication, testing, and commissioning of critical assets.
• Support offshore operations through initial commissioning of new systems and sustaining engineering.

Requirements

• BS or higher in mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of experience owning the development of novel hardware from concept through commissioning.
• Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals relevant to marine systems (welded structures, mechanical assemblies, hydraulics/pneumatics, industrial automation and data acquisition, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems that lack clear examples or well‑defined requirements.
• Capable of managing critical vendor relations.
• Thrives in a culture of personal ownership.
• Competent with 3D modeling software and design practices (Siemens NX strongly preferred).
• Experience conducting operations offshore.
• Leadership experience (engineering development, fabrication efforts, or operations).
• Ability to perform structural FEA.
• Experience designing hardware utilized in an offshore environment.
• Experience interfacing with relevant marine regulatory bodies (classification societies, USCG, etc.).
• General understanding of the marine industry (business practices, operations, major vendors, etc.).
• Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.
• Intermittently able to work longer hours and on weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work‑life balance, including unlimited PTO and flexible working hours.
• Ability to travel offshore periodically to support the initial commissioning and first use of new equipment.
• If hired for this full‑time role, you will receive:
• Cash compensation of $175,000-$200,000.
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners, and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
• Flexible paid time off.
• Health insurance (the company pays 100% of a Gold-level PPO plan for full‑time employees, their partners, and dependents).
• Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full‑time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents).
• Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full‑time employees, their partners, and dependents).
• Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long‑term financial support if you become disabled).
• Ability to contribute to tax‑advantaged accounts, including a 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).