Senior R&D Engineer

Darcy Solutions is on a mission to put geothermal everywhere by developing and deploying next-generation groundwater-enabled geothermal systems that dramatically reduce carbon emissions from building heating and cooling while delivering best-in‑class thermal performance in constrained spaces. Our proprietary technology harnesses the superior thermal capacity of groundwater, enabling geothermal installations with orders‑of‑magnitude higher capacity per borehole compared to conventional systems.

Our entrepreneurial engineering and science team drives innovation from lab to field, integrating geologic research, engineering design, and real‑world system deployment. We combine leading hydrogeologic insight with practical engineering to grow our platform and expand customer impact.

We are seeking a motivated R&D Engineer to support Darcy’s technology roadmap under the direction of our Chief Scientific Officer and cross‑functional technical leadership. You’ll help accelerate the evolution of Darcy’s geothermal systems by developing new mechanical designs, tools and equipment, test methods, numerical models, and proof‑of‑concept field demonstrations.

This role blends structured research, modeling, prototyping, technical evaluation, and product development with collaboration among engineering, geology, and field operations teams — advancing innovation while translating ideas into scalable, real‑world solutions.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering;
  Materials Science;
  Energy Systems;
  Hydrogeology or Geothermal Geophysics; or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of hands‑on R&D experience and track record of innovation in mechanical system design, engineering, physics, data analysis, prototype development, or related fields.
• Experience designing and testing mechanical components, tools, and/or products with a focus on performance metrics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document and present technical insights clearly.
• Highly organized, proactive in driving projects to completion, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, collaborative startup environment.

Preferred

• Experience with geothermal systems, HVAC equipment, or other energy conversion technologies.
• Knowledge of building energy modeling software (Energy Plus).
• Experience with CAD software (Solid Works, Inventor) and data analysis environments (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Knowledge of research‑grade, real‑time data acquisition equipment (data loggers, sensors), software and analysis methods.
• Understanding of well drilling/installation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage R&D project workflows and dependencies across teams.

Technical R&D & Prototyping

• Execute research and numerical modeling to improve designs of Darcy’s geothermal system components, including heat exchangers, well instrumentation, and related components.
• Develop structured test plans, instrumentation strategies, and data capture procedures to validate design assumptions and performance targets.
• Build and test equipment prototypes, then collect and analyzing performance data.

Modeling & Analysis

• Support performance modeling and simulation efforts (thermal, fluid, mechanical) to inform design decisions and optimize system efficiency.
• Identify modeling and analytical gaps; propose new tools or methodologies to close them.
• Work with geoscience and engineering teams to integrate technical insights into broader product development.

Field Support & System Evaluation

• Collaborate with field installation teams to observe system operation, troubleshoot technical issues, and document insights for iterative improvement.
• Support system commissioning and data collection efforts.
• Contribute to field protocols that enhance reliability, repeatability, and safety.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with teams across disciplines to identify challenges and develop engineered solutions.
• Maintain clear documentation of research activities, test results, and technical recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal teams and external partners.

• Ability to travel