Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Systems
First Mode is a carbon reduction company developing creative, clean energy solutions for heavy industry’s toughest problems.
We hope you’ll join us in building a brighter future for people and planet.
First Mode is seeking to add members to its mechanical systems team that have expertise developing thermal systems and who have strong capabilities for working these types of problems within a constrained, fast-paced environment. Engineering solutions developed at First Mode are built to withstand extreme environmental conditions where complex thermal solutions are required. Applicants from all industries are welcome, particularly those with a background in thermal system development for complex, multidisciplinary systems.
Position Responsibilities
- You will contribute to the thermal architecture and design of the vehicle and other thermal systems, including cooling and heating methods, as well as general thermal system sizing (e.g., pumped fluid loops, convective systems, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, hydraulic systems, etc.)
- You will be responsible for assisting in the selection and specification of thermal system elements (e.g., fluid pumps, radiators, sensors, heat exchangers, resistive heaters, refrigeration cycles, etc.)
- Design and support the thermal system through CAD modeling and drafting of component or assembly drawings
- You will be responsible for working with the thermal systems team to determine and implement thermal solutions that align with the vehicles project level requirements
- You will assist in performing thermal component testing, qualification, model correlation, and system-level thermal requirements verification
- Represent the thermal systems design during the early definition and scoping phases of a development effort
- Research and develop thermal system solutions designed to work within larger, multi-disciplinary systems
- Develop specifications for project partners or vendors, then assist in the management and delivery of these external efforts
- Work effectively in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3+ years of overall industry experience
- 2+ years of experience with CAD software packages and mechanical design
- 2+ years of experience selecting, sizing, testing, or installing thermal fluid components for use in a pumped fluid, vapor, gas, air, hydraulic loop, or another thermal system
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with hardware design, prototyping, fabrication, or assembly
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to apply the fundamental first principles of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to engineering problems
- Knowledge of key components and system operations for pumped water, air, gas, vapor, hydraulic, or refrigerant systems
- Experience developing systems for active and/or passive thermal systems
- Hands-on experience applying a variety of thermal components including heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, fans, shielding, insulation, valves, sensors, motors, or inverters
- Proficiency in any of the following software: NX CAD, ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS Icepak, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, GT-Suite, FloTherm, OpenFoam, Star-CCM+, or wiki documentation repositories
- Familiarity with industry standards (e.g. SAE, ASHRAE, ASME, and ASTM standards)
- Ability to write and speak about technical subject matter to other engineering disciplines
- Flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced, dynamic small team environment
Additional Requirements
- Travel within the United States and internationally to represent First Mode to its customers, vendors, and partners
Location
- This position will be located at First Mode’s headquarters in Seattle, WA and will be required to work in office >60% of working hours
Total Rewards
Base Salary Range: $141,000 - $211,500
Senior Mechanical Engineer I: $141,000 - $191,000
Senior Mechanical Engineer II: $156,500 - $211,500
Benefits & Perks
- Annual bonus incentive
- Equity-based awards
- 100% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution from the start of employment
- Flexible PTO with 12 weeks of supplementary paid parental leave
- Commuter benefits (parking & public transportation)
- A culture that encourages professional growth with learning and development reimbursements
- Open and collaborative workspace with free office snacks and lunches
- Hybrid work model
#LI-Hybrid
First Mode is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with First Mode is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.