Founding Turbomachinery Engineer

Company Description We are a stealth power generation startup focused on developing the world’s most efficient machines to convert terawatts of stranded waste heat into usable power. Our mission is to unlock a massive, underutilized energy resource and significantly improve global energy efficiency. We're well funded and now building the early engineering team. The founders have deep backgrounds building complex hardware for energy and aerospace, from whiteboard to scaled manufacturing.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site role based in Denver, CO for a Founding Turbo machinery Engineer. You will lead the aerodynamic and thermal design of turbo machinery components, including compressors, turbines, and associated flow-path hardware. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and validating aerothermal design methodologies, setting performance targets, running detailed simulations and analyses, and guiding the integration of turbo machinery into complete power generation systems.

You will collaborate with mechanical design, controls, and test engineering teams to translate system requirements into robust designs, define test plans, and interpret experimental data to refine models and designs. This role also involves establishing best practices, mentoring other engineers, and contributing to technology roadmaps and technical decision-making across the organization.

Offering above market salaries, significant equity, full benefits, and the ability to own clean sheet hardware development at a blistering pace.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in turbo machinery aerodynamics and heat transfer, with hands-on experience designing and analyzing compressors, turbines, or similar rotating machinery.
• Proficiency with analytical and numerical methods for aerothermal performance prediction, including thermodynamic cycle analysis and fluid mechanics modeling.
• Experience using CAE tools (e.g., CFD and FEA) for flow and thermal analysis, and ability to interpret and validate simulation results against experimental data.
• Background in testing and characterization of turbo machinery or thermal systems, including test planning, data acquisition, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, controls, manufacturing) and translate system-level requirements into detailed component designs.
• Strong communication skills for documenting design rationale, presenting technical findings, and mentoring team members.
• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with focus on turbo machinery, thermofluids, or energy systems; significant relevant industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment, with a high level of ownership, adaptability, and commitment to safety and quality.