Project Engineer, Steel Fabrication

About the Company

We are 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 focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis.

Our team includes individuals with experience at SpaceX, Tesla, Apple, Relativity, the U.S. military, and leading steel fabricators. 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

Our main product is called a “node” - a large steel structure that translates ocean waves into energy while deployed at sea. We work with established steel fabricators in the area to build our nodes and related large steel structures in parallel with establishing our pilot and full-scale in-house fabrication facilities.

You will own the interface between our engineering team and external steel fabricators building our nodes and large structural assemblies. This role is about getting real hardware built—translating designs into fabrication, resolving issues on the shop floor, and keeping projects moving on aggressive timelines.

You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal engineers to make sure designs are buildable, builds stay on track, and what comes out of the shop matches intent. Good looks like clear communication, fast problem solving, and strong supplier relationships that improve quality, cost, and speed over time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own day-to-day coordination of steel fabrication projects with external suppliers
• Drive project timelines, tracking progress and unblocking issues to keep builds on schedule
• Transfer engineering drawings to suppliers and manage as-built documentation back to internal teams
• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers, answering questions or routing to the right internal owner
• Provide on-site support at supplier facilities to oversee builds and resolve issues in real time
• Troubleshoot fabrication, material, and quality issues during active builds
• Provide design-for-manufacturing feedback to engineering on feasibility, cost, and lead times
• Approve invoices and manage change orders with suppliers
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new fabrication partners and capabilities
• Build and maintain strong long term partnerships with suppliers

Required Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of experience leading or managing steel fabrication projects
• 5+ years of experience working in steel fabrication environments
• Extensive knowledge of applicable codes and specifications (AWS, AISC, BPVC) 
• Knowledge of steel material supply chain and regional suppliers and shops
• Extensive knowledge of fabrication processes and equipment, and fit & weld processes and equipment, including manual, semi-automated, and automated processes
• Extensive knowledge of dimensional and weld inspection techniques and methods
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation, GD&T, and weld notes
•  Proven ability to work against aggressive schedules and keep projects moving 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using CAD tools to review or support fabrication work
• Experienced welder (Qualified Welder preferred)
• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• Experience with coatings, including blast and paint processes
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with large welded structures and heavy industrial equipment 

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.

Compensation and Benefits:

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

• Cash compensation of $110,000 - $155,000
• 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 100% 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 on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.