VERTERRA ENERGY
About the Role
As a critical part of Verterra Energy’s Product Development Team, the Mechanical Engineer will contribute to all phases of product design, development, prototyping, manufacturing and operational support. In this role, the engineer will be responsible for tasks such as the component design, physical & performance testing, system integration, part manufacture, on site construction, installation, commissioning, in field operation and other related activities for marine hydrokinetic devices. In addition to working with other members of the Verterra Energy product development team, they will work with outside technicians, engineers and scientists and oversee the development of prototypes and the manufacturing of components as part of a rare opportunity to carry ideas from concept, through design and engineering and into production.
The ideal mechanical engineering candidate will possess strong mathematical aptitude and bring both theoretical and practical experience to the team. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as are the highly effective communication skills necessary to explain technical matters, develop detailed specifications and support ongoing product design documentation needs.
Verterra is currently a well-established start-up with a dedicated team and a multi-faceted, experienced Board of Advisers. Working at a startup is not for everyone; this role is for a reliable person who is able to handle unexpected challenges and course-corrections, likes to learn and who can grow with the company.
Requirements
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
This position will work primarily from the Verterra Skunkworks in the Twin Cities Area, and remotely when feasible with flexible hours.
Maintain a positive attitude, a passion for excellence, and contribute to the well-being of fellow team members
Advance novel designs based on operational requirements while adhering to sound mechanical design and engineering methods including design for manufacturing and quality.
Oversee outside vendors, contractors, technicians and drafts-persons assisting in the development process and monitor production progress on pilot production runs of new designs.
Provide estimations of the amount of work required for completion of assigned product development tasks and advise team members as schedules change.
Maintain familiarity with the “state of the art” in areas relevant to renewable energy technologies and mechanical system technologies.
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience in engineering (civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or coastal or ocean)
Relevant work experience in engineering, R&D, and/or new product development, preferably in a field where you have experience that prepared you for this job (e.g., in engineering, construction, innovation, ship-building, maritime industry, etc.)
Fluent in English
US Citizen or US Work Visa
Personal Qualifications
Curious, proactive, and results-driven team player
Can find structure in complex situations by utilizing strong communication skills to guide the team through your planning
Understands that a certain amount of groundwork (document control, follow up for planning updates, administrative tasks, etc.) is part of the job and project success
Performs well in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Specific Skills and Needs
Deliver clear and concise communication, both written and verbal, to management, other team members and end users.
Conceive, develop, implement, and evaluate power system components with an emphasis on safety and DFx principles.
Travel to vendor and deployment sites.
3D solid modeling (Solidworks) and 2D drafting experience.
Experience using mathematics software such as Matlab, Labview or MathCAD, or a willingness to learn.
Create and maintain production prints, assembly instructions, bills of material, and other documentation related to developed products.
Initiate and/or contribute to engineering changes and corrective and preventive actions.
Communicate with team members the end users of designs to gather feedback, provide technical support and troubleshoot problems.
Generate procedural support documents and user manuals for developed products.
Create verification plans for component and system designs.
Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
About the Company
Verterra Energy is on a mission to harness the power in the world’s rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering waterpower technology that deploys in harmony with the current to dynamically adjust to water direction, velocity and depth.
We are building an extraordinary team to accomplish this important mission. Verterra Energy is funded through a multiyear DoD contract in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers.