Test Engineer, Mechanical and Fluid Systems

About the Company

Panthalassa is a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our mission is to capture civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

We are headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and operate as a public benefit corporation backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, and university endowments. Our team includes individuals with experience at SpaceX, Tesla, Apple, Blue Origin, the U.S. military, and leading research universities. We operate as an idea meritocracy—where the best ideas win—and we’re building the most capable engineering and operations team on the planet.

About the Job

We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer, Mechanical and Fluid Systems to design, build, and operate large-scale test equipment for hydraulic turbines, electrical generation powertrains, and high-power equipment. This role requires deep expertise in fluid dynamics, process piping, and mechanical system integration.

As a Test Engineer, you will lead the mechanical design and integration of test rigs that handle pressurized water and air to transfer energy. You will work closely with software and controls engineers to create integrated test environments that push the boundaries of power generation technology. This is a hands-on role where you will prototype, build, and troubleshoot alongside world-class engineers and technicians.

You will own the end-to-end mechanical development of test systems—from conceptual design through fabrication, assembly, and operation—ensuring our test infrastructure can withstand the extreme conditions required for breakthrough energy technology development.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, and operate custom test rigs for hydraulic turbines, powertrains, and power electronics systems.
• Design fluid systems and piping networks, including flow/pressure drop analysis and component sizing and selection (pumps, valves, regulators, piping).
• Design process piping and plant layouts with emphasis on rapid deployment and practical solutions.
• Design tanks, structures, rigging, and lifting equipment for large loads, including cranes and forklifts.
• Develop Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for test rigs.
• Create 3D CAD models and assemblies using NX.
• Develop test methodologies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Integrate mechanical systems with electrical and control systems in cross-functional collaboration.
• Interface with tradespeople and vendors for equipment procurement and subcontracted work.
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience in large-scale fluid systems design and testing.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Proven experience with process piping design, specification, and installation.
• Experience designing tanks and vessels for large-volume fluid storage.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3D parametric CAD and PLM (NX preferred; SolidWorks, Catia, Inventor, or Creo acceptable).
• Experience designing custom machined and welded components for test fixtures and structures.
• Competency in structural analysis and mechanical design calculations.
• Working knowledge of electrical power systems and basic connector selection.
• Familiarity with NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery).
• Understanding of ASME and ANSI piping/pressure vessel codes.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices (DFMEA, PFMEA, HAZOPS).
• Hands-on mechanical assembly, fabrication, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience managing subcontractors and working with skilled trades.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
• Background in power generation, renewable energy, or heavy industrial equipment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with crane operations and lift planning.
• Background in manufacturing or production environments.
• Familiarity with heat exchangers and fluid conditioning equipment.
• Experience with high-power and high-pressure systems.
• Experience with test instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping and fabrication methods.
• Experience with programming or scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) and data acquisition systems.

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional extended hours or weekend work to support key milestones.
• Strong preference for candidates based in Portland, OR. 

Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $155,000–$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 gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 33% 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 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Location

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

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United States. We are unable to provide new visa sponsorship for this role; however, we may consider H-1B transfer applications from exceptional candidates.