Prototype Fabricator

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 staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.
About the Job
Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean’s harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention. The Node's turbo-generator system is the critical component which includes all components from the fluid interface through to encompassing electromechanical energy conversion, dynamic sealing, structural integration, and control interfaces.
As a Prototype Fabricator, you will support the manufacturing, machining, assembly, and integration of hydro turbines and generators. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves role in which you'll prototype, build, and troubleshoot alongside world-class engineers.
This role sits at the intersection of precision machining, electromechanical assembly, and innovative fixture design, supporting prototype builds as well as low-volume production. You will work closely with motor/generator engineers, fluid dynamicists, mechanical engineers and highly skilled electrical technicians to translate designs into robust, manufacturable hardware, ultimately ending in its deployment in the Node at sea.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. If you are an excellent technician, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet and we compensate our team accordingly.
Responsibilities
Operate traditional machines such as mill, lathe, saws, shears, press brakes, rollers, drill presses, grinders, plasma cutters, and related fabrication equipment
Perform field-fit modifications, repairs, and rework on prototype and production hydro-turbine and generator subassemblies, precision rotating machinery, sealing interfaces, and related integration tooling
Support trial builds, teardowns, re-assembly and design iterations
Interpret and work from detailed manufacturing drawings and CAD models
Collaborate with design engineers to suggest manufacturability improvements
Design, fabricate, and validate custom assembly fixtures, jigs, and alignment tools
Utilize 3D printing for rapid prototyping of fixtures and mock-ups
Perform dimensional inspections using Vernier Calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, Dial indicators, height gauges etc.
Ensure compliance with tolerance stack-ups during assembly
Document assembly procedures, inspection reports, and deviations
Provide feedback on assembly challenges, tolerance feasibility and fixture effectiveness
Support prototype iteration cycles and root-cause analysis
Contribute ideas to improve build repeatability, safety, and efficiency
Required Qualifications
5+ years of hands-on experience in prototype fabrication, metal fabrication, welding, or a related trade
Demonstrated ability to fabricate one-off and low-volume assemblies from drawings, CAD models, sketches, and verbal direction
Working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance interpretation
Experience using 3D printing for functional prototyping or tooling
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Able to independently work on complex fixtures and assembly designs
Strong problem-solving and hands-on troubleshooting ability
High technical curiosity and a passion for learning
Innovative mindset, comfortable designing solutions when standard tools don’t exist
High attention to detail and craftsmanship
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Desired Qualifications
10+ years in a similar role
Experience operating and supporting multi-axis CNC machines for shafts, turbine runners, fixtures, tooling etc.
Proficiency in TIG and MIG welding, preferably with stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel
Experience fabricating, repairing, and finishing fiberglass components using molds, hand layup, vacuum bagging, resin systems, and composite bonding techniques
Experience assembling high-precision rotating machinery
Experience working alongside R&D teams in iterative development environments
Experience working on marine or offshore machinery
Experience working on subsea bearings, or hydrodynamic bearings, or hydrostatic bearings
Experience working on laser cutting and laser welding processes
Experience with instrumentation and controls (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, etc.)
Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter
Familiarity with materials and coatings for submerged or corrosive environments
Familiarity with magnetic components and magnet safety
Basic understanding of hydro turbines and electrical machines (stators, windings, insulation 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
Travel to vendors and test sites as needed
Intermittently able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance, including flexiblePTO and flexible working hours.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
Cash compensation of $45-55/hour.
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, 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.