Turbo Machinery Advisor – Power Systems & Geothermal Systems - Contractor

Roadrunner Venture Studio; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

A geothermal energy startup is seeking a Turbo Machinery Advisor with extensive experience in steam turbines and rotating equipment. The role involves guiding development, advising on thermodynamics, and providing mentoring support to engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree and over 15 years of relevant industry experience, as well as a strong network in the geothermal energy sector. This position brings the opportunity to influence strategic direction and drive innovation in geothermal technology.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with steam turbines, expanders, ORC systems, or similar equipment.
• Proven track record advising or leading engineering teams on complex mechanical systems.
• Experience advising or leading engineering teams on complex mechanical systems.
• Industry leadership and excellent communication for mixed audiences.

Responsibilities

• Guide turbine/expander development and provide senior-level mentorship.
• Advise on thermodynamic cycle models and mechanical integrity requirements.
• Oversee prototype testing methodologies and define testing protocols.
• Support evaluation of manufacturing pathways and recommend quality assurance.
• Leverage an established network to secure partnerships and pilot opportunities.
• Prepare technical updates for stakeholders, partners, and potential investors.
• Leverage industry networks to secure partnerships, pilots, and demonstration sites.

Skills

Expert understanding of thermodynamics

Deep familiarity with geothermal systems

Excellent communication skills

Networking within turbomachinery field

Thermodynamics

Leadership

Mentorship

Industrial partnerships

Education

Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in mechanical engineering

Job description

About Us

We are an early-stage geothermal company developing next-generation systems for efficient heat extraction and power generation. Our work sits at the intersection of thermodynamics, advanced rotating machinery, and renewable energy. We are focused on advancing turbine and expander technologies that unlock more efficient, scalable geothermal electricity generation.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Turbo Machinery Advisor with deep expertise in steam turbines, expanders, ORC systems, or other rotating equipment used in geothermal or thermal power applications. This is a strategic advisory role for someone with a long track record in turbomachinery design, power systems engineering, and industry leadership.

The Advisor will work closely with the founding team, supporting system architecture, design strategy, technical decision-making, and industry positioning. This person will bring not only technical depth but also a strong understanding of the geothermal ecosystem, industrial partnerships, and what it takes to move breakthrough hardware from concept to commercial deployment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight and Technical Direction

• Guide the turbine/expander development roadmap, ensuring alignment with long-term system architecture, commercial feasibility, and manufacturability.
• Provide senior-level mentorship to engineers and technical contributors, helping shape design approaches, testing priorities, and integration pathways.
• Recommend best practices in rotating machinery design, materials, thermodynamic cycle selection, and system optimization.

Thermodynamic & Mechanical Systems Guidance

• Review and refine thermodynamic cycle models, system assumptions, and performance projections.
• Advise on blade geometry choices, flow efficiency strategies, and component-to-component integration.
• Evaluate alternative configurations for durability, maintenance needs, and operational constraints in geothermal environments.

Testing, Validation & Risk Reduction

• Oversight of prototype testing methodologies, including performance validation under realistic geothermal or steam-cycle conditions.
• Support the team in defining testing protocols, instrumentation needs, and risk-mitigation plans for rotating equipment.

Regulatory, Safety & Compliance Support

• Provide guidance on safety standards, mechanical integrity requirements, and relevant codes associated with turbomachinery operation in geothermal and industrial settings.
• Advise on documentation and compliance expectations for early pilots and field deployments.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Insight

• Support evaluation of manufacturing pathways, vendor selection, and component sourcing for small-scale, high-efficiency turbine systems.
• Recommend quality assurance and reliability frameworks suitable for early production and scaling.

Documentation, Stakeholder Communication & Reporting

• Review technical documentation, including design analysis, testing summaries, and risk assessments.
• Help prepare clear technical updates for internal stakeholders, external partners, and potential investors.

Industry Networking & Strategic Partnerships

• Leverage an established network in turbomachinery, geothermal, steam-cycle power, or related fields to help secure partnerships, pilot opportunities, and early adopter relationships.
• Provide senior technical presence in discussions with research institutions, industrial partners, utilities, and potential demonstration sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) or equivalent senior-level industry experience in mechanical engineering, turbomachinery, thermal sciences, or related fields.
• 15+ years working with steam turbines, expanders, ORC systems, or similar rotating equipment.
• Deep familiarity with geothermal, waste-heat recovery, or thermal-to-power systems.
• Expert understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural considerations, and rotating equipment design.
• Proven track record advising or leading engineering teams on complex mechanical systems.
• Strong industry network within turbomachinery, geothermal energy, or thermal power generation ecosystems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues for mixed audiences.
• Ability to operate independently and deliver high-impact guidance within limited advisory hours.

Roadrunner Venture Studios is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.