Product Design and Release Engineer

At Verterra Energy, we're 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 water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseload, zero emission electricity.

Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Recent press releases can be found on our website: https://www.verterraenergy.com/news

Requirements

We are seeking an innovative and experienced Product Design & Release Engineer to act as the lead layout designer and master modeler for the Volturnus system at multiple scales; leading the part break-out for injection molding, thermoforming and layup sections of the body and structure of Volturnus.

This highly technical role will collaborate with our electrical, mechanical design, marine and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration throughout the development process. The ideal candidate is experienced in managing master models and capable of providing component level design support within multiple systems and part types including composites, injection molded plastic, metals, and routings.

The Product Design and Release Engineer will contribute to numerous phases of prototyping, product design, supplier development and operational support. They will have practical experience with product development, lifecycle management and possess a curious and thoughtful mind with a passion for engineering that can be applied in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities?

• The candidate must be collaborative by nature working closely with mechanical, marine, and electrical design teams as the master modeler for the Volturnus system.

• Own the design of the core geometry of Volturnus and the layout design of features, managing the parametric relationships between different components of the design.

• Provide critical feedback on part designs, 2D & 3D drawings, and contribute to component specifications.

• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors, acting as a key technical contact for sourcing of components, including injection molded plastic and metals, as well as informing their production processes and tooling.

• Work closely with manufacturing engineering and operations on product design, tooling, and production processes to support production scaling.

• Assist in the development of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) documents and Design Verification Plans (DVPs), under the guidance of engineering leadership.

• Act as the subject matter expert for modeling tools and product lifecycle management, continuously seeking opportunities to innovate and improve design processes and procedures.

• Maintain detailed documentation of design changes, decisions, and specifications to ensure traceability and compliance.

• Conduct thorough reviews and testing to ensure designs meet quality standards and performance criteria.

• Provide training and mentorship to junior designers and engineers, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment.

• Work closely with the program team to adhere to the established product development schedule and process.

Requirements

Must Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience

OR

• Associate/Technical Degree in science based discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience

• Demonstrated experience with advanced solid modeling software and managing complex assemblies.

• Mechanical design experience with metals, plastics (injection molding), and other materials incorporated in the Volturnus system.

• Familiarity with common design quality tools, including: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Design Verification Plan (DVP), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional, team environment

• U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee or asylee status) as defined here:?https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62?

Nice to Have

• 10+ years experience in product design and engineering

• Bachelors Degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering

• Able to apply GD&T and Statistical Analysis in design work.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills?

• Organizational skills and the ability to effectively?identify?and prioritize?essential tasks

• Flexibility to wear multiple hats in a startup environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a generous annual company contribution of $500 (available with qualified plan enrollment)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical expenses

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option

• Short Term and Long-Term Disability coverage - completely free for employees

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits - at no cost to you

• 401(k) plan featuring a company match

• A generous PTO policy that includes:

• Starting with 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 2 weeks of sick and safe time

• 11 paid holidays recognized by the company

• A flexible and accommodating work environment

• An inviting modern kitchen with a comfortable break area, stocked with snacks and beverages

• Bike-friendly workplace!

• On-site shower and locker room facilities

• Relocation support available