critical-energy

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
$140K - $200K
Posted Nov 11, 2026

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Skills

Communication
Finite Element Analysis
GD&T

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

OUR MISSION:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Critical Energy is hiring a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to design our next generation of power-generating turbines. You’ll own your designs from concept through production and into the field, working from individual parts up to full system integration. You’ll work closely with the Turbomachinery team and partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Systems, and Field Ops, often serving as the link between them.

This role suits someone who wants broad ownership, likes stretching beyond their comfort zone, and wants to see their designs built and running. Direct turbomachinery experience is a significant plus but not required. Title will be based on experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Own detailed CAD models, layouts, and drawings (ASME Y14.5) for turbomachinery hardware, and review designs with other engineers

•Validate designs with hand calculations and FEA

•Partner with experts in aero, fluid systems, electrical, materials, and test to balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability

•Carry your hardware through fabrication, assembly, and test, and work directly with machinists and technicians to solve production issues

•Support Field Ops after delivery and bring what you learn back into the design

•Maintain design documentation, including design reviews, specifications, and BOMs

•Develop concepts for new machines and fluid systems

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

•5+ years in mechanical design on complex machinery, including parts you designed that were built and assembled into a working machine

•Strong first-principles fundamentals in statics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, and materials, including stress and thermal hand calcs

•Experience with FEA and/or CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS)

•Production-quality drawings with GD&T, and a habit of working with machinists to make them better

•Working knowledge of DFM across 5-axis machining, additive, casting, forging, precision grinding, and gear/spline hobbing

•Working knowledge of machine elements and secondary systems: fastener preloads, sealing interfaces and seal selection, high-performance polymers for bushings and seals, and piping, valves, pumps, sensors, and actuators

•Proficiency in a modern CAD package, including building robust assemblies, and a willingness to ramp up on Siemens NX right away

•Clear, direct communication, including giving and taking feedback on technical issues and mistakes

BONUS EXPERIENCE:

•Turbomachinery design experience (gas turbines, steam turbines, pumps), including rotors, bearings, seals, casings, and shafts

•Rotordynamics, vibration, and fatigue analysis; leakage flow and thrust management

•Hands-on experience making and assembling parts yourself

•Siemens NX / Teamcenter

•Mechanical routing or surface modeling

COMPENSATION:

•Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum

•Equity options

•100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical

•100% company-covered dental and vision

•Daily catered lunch

•Several annual social and team building outings

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Equal Opportunity

Critical Energy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Critical Energy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.

Recruiting Agenices

Critical Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Critical Energy reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Critical Energy hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.