Senior Mechanical Engineer - Thermal & Fluids Systems

The role

This role supports the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. The engineer will focus on system-level modeling, thermal management, and fluid flow analysis across various components.

What you will do

• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets for thermal and fluid subsystems
• Own system PFD and P&ID
• Develop sub-system and system-level models using commercial or in-house tools
• Support system trade studies evaluating performance, efficiency, and cost impacts
• Support the integration of components including heat exchangers, pumps, and fluid management systems
• Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components and estimate efficiency
• Perform CFD and thermal analysis to evaluate heat transfer and pressure losses
• Identify and support component-level and sub-system testing for risk mitigation
• Analyze experimental data to refine models and improve system design
• Support development of control strategies related to thermal and fluid system performance

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of proven experience designing and building complex systems from 0 ->1
• Solid understanding of first principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science
• Experience with a modern CAD package
• Willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Experience working cross-functionally with Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Field Ops
• Experience with components and sub-systems common to power generation or process plants
• Understanding of thermodynamic cycles (e.g., Rankine, Brayton)
• Experience generating 3D models and managing assemblies in CAD
• Building 1D models of thermo-fluid systems using commercial software
• Proven experience using Python or another coding language to build thermal and/or fluid models

Nice to have

• Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems
• Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for static structural, vibration, and fatigue
• Hands-on experience with product development

Benefits

• Equity options
• 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA medical
• 100% company-covered dental and vision
• Daily catered lunch
• Several annual social and team building outings

About the company

Critical Energy is a venture-backed cleantech company that designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. The company aims to accelerate the global energy transition through geothermal innovation.