Modern Electron has an immediate opening for a Mechanical Design Engineer or Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support and lead engineering development programs. The Engineer’s goal is to achieve function and performance of thermal and electro-mechanical subsystems of our thermionic power generation products. 

In this role, you will apply principles of engineering and science to achieve product designs that meet all required performance, cost, and schedule specifications. You will perform conceptual design, thermal and mechanical analysis; prepare design sketches and layouts; select raw materials; and develop component/subsystem specifications. 

Modern Electron is a start-up company dedicated to generating cheap, modular, and reliable electricity for all. Expensive mechanical engines and turbines based on 19th-century technology still generate the majority of the power used worldwide. We seek to replace them with paper-thin heat-to-electricity generators. >$20MM venture capital is committed to our vision. We have enormous potential for learning, impact, and growth in a small and collaborative team setting. We value our ability to move fast to outpace larger companies and achieve what they cannot.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform engineering calculations and analyses to model and predict component/subsystem performance, including mechanical stress analysis, thermal analysis, steady-state and transient analysis, mechanical joint design, statistical tolerance stack analysis, etc
• Perform first order hand calculations of the analysis tasks prior to conducting FEA analysis as necessary
• Perform tolerance analysis as required to ensure intended assembly performance
• Utilize laboratory and field test data to correlate and validate analytical models
• Interface closely with the multidisciplinary experimental and computational teams to iterate on designs and validate models
• Create fabrication drawings for component/sub-system and other mechanical assemblies
• Play a role in the evaluation of next-generation designs and communicate parametric trade-offs and engineering constraints to the R&D and Engineering teams

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Solid understanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) and mechanics of materials
• Hands-on experience using CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) in the creation of complex mechanical models, fabrication drawings and assembly drawings
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with thermal CFD and FEA using analysis tools such as Solidworks and ANSYS
• Experience with utilizing laboratory and field test data to correlate and validate analytical models
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application toward the creation of fabrication drawings for mechanical parts
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills
• Impeccable written and verbal communication
• Ability and enthusiasm to work as part of a highly collaborative, dynamic, and diverse team

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Physics or Mechanical Engineering 
• 5+ years of mechanical design engineering experience for industrial and commercial applications
• 3+ years of design and analysis of thermal systems experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with performing thermal design analyses for high-temperature processes and applications
• Experience with performing thermal & mechanical modeling of braze assembly components
• Knowledge of Python 
• Experience working in a startup environment
• Automotive, oil/gas, energy, aerospace and/or defense industry experience

We are an equal opportunity employer