{"jobs":[{"id":"deff11f1-1280-4d54-a648-2fe1a5cff948","title":"Head of Manufacturing","department":"Operations","team":"Operations","employmentType":"FullTime","location":"Hawthorne, CA","secondaryLocations":[],"publishedAt":"2026-06-25T22:33:33.145+00:00","isListed":true,"isRemote":false,"workplaceType":"OnSite","address":{"postalAddress":{"addressRegion":"California","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Hawthorne"}},"jobUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/deff11f1-1280-4d54-a648-2fe1a5cff948","applyUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/deff11f1-1280-4d54-a648-2fe1a5cff948/application","descriptionHtml":"

Company Description:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!

About the Role:

We are seeking our first Head of Manufacturing to own the end-to-end build-out of our production capabilities from the ground up. You will design and stand up production lines for modular power systems, control inventory and costs, and build the manufacturing organization. This is a hands-on leadership role - you will be on the floor building, problem-solving, and leading by example while structuring processes for rapid ramp-up. You will collaborate closely with engineering and leadership to simplify designs for manufacturability, drive costs down toward the idiot index (minimizing cost relative to raw materials through smart process design), and deliver reliable modules on schedule and budget.

Responsibilities:

Required Qualifications:

Bonus Experience:

Compensation:

","descriptionPlain":"Company Description:\n\nCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.\n\nCritical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.\n\n\n\nOur Mission:\n\nTo build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.\n\nWe are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!\n\n\n\nAbout the Role:\n\nWe are seeking our first Head of Manufacturing to own the end-to-end build-out of our production capabilities from the ground up. You will design and stand up production lines for modular power systems, control inventory and costs, and build the manufacturing organization. This is a hands-on leadership role - you will be on the floor building, problem-solving, and leading by example while structuring processes for rapid ramp-up. You will collaborate closely with engineering and leadership to simplify designs for manufacturability, drive costs down toward the idiot index (minimizing cost relative to raw materials through smart process design), and deliver reliable modules on schedule and budget.\n\n\n\nResponsibilities:\n\n - Lead the design, commissioning, and optimization of production lines for modular power units from scratch.\n\n - Build and scale a high-performing technician and manufacturing team in a startup environment.\n\n - Drive production ramp: pilot modules in 2026 followed by volume scaling in 2027 and beyond.\n\n - Own manufacturing strategy, process simplification, cost estimation/control for lines and products, and continuous improvement\n\n - Get hands-on with assembly processes\n\n - Implement production algorithms and workflows that prioritize simplicity, speed, and cost collapse.\n\n - Partner with engineering to influence design for manufacturability and scalability.\n\n - Build robust supply chain interfaces, quality systems, and safety protocols.\n\n - Ensure all product compliance documentation is available to ensure commissioning acceptance.\n\n - Foster a mission-driven culture aligned with climate impact and rapid innovation.\n\n\n\nRequired Qualifications:\n\n - Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering or another related field, or the equivalent experience\n\n - 5+ years of proven experience building and scaling production lines in complex modular or large-scale assembly environments such as aerospace, industrial processing, energy,, oil and gas, or automotive.\n\n - Strong background in fluid systems, mechanical assembly, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes such as welding, brazing, bolted joints, 5-axis machining, 3D printing, heat treatments, etc.\n\n - An established network of hardware suppliers and an understanding of what value they bring as compared to their competitors/contemporaries.\n\n - Startup mentality: comfortable getting hands dirty, wearing multiple hats, and thriving in ambiguity.\n\n - Deep understanding of production economics: able to estimate and drive down costs to create and operate manufacturing lines.\n\n - Track record of scaling technician workforces and transitioning from prototype/low volume to higher volume production.\n\n - Mission-oriented with genuine interest in climate tech, contributing positively to the planet, and energy transformation.\n\n\n\nBonus Experience:\n\n - You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant\n\n - Experience designing for classified hazardous areas (NEC Class I Division 2) Experience with compliance to ASME B31.1\n\n - Experience with rotating equipment such as turbines, compressors, and pumps and their assembly\n\n\n\nCompensation:\n\n - Base salary ranges from $180-220k per annum\n\n - Equity options\n\n - 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical\n\n - 100% company-covered dental and vision\n\n - Flexible Spending Account (FSA)\n\n - 401k retirement options\n\n - Daily catered lunch\n\n - Free EV charging\n\n - Several annual social and team building outings"},{"id":"40b516d9-49f5-491d-8ffd-624629afee01","title":"Senior Mechanical Engineer, Systems Mechanical Design","department":"Engineering","team":"Engineering","employmentType":"FullTime","location":"Hawthorne, CA","secondaryLocations":[],"publishedAt":"2026-06-12T20:31:05.527+00:00","isListed":true,"isRemote":false,"workplaceType":"OnSite","address":{"postalAddress":{"addressRegion":"California","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Hawthorne"}},"jobUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/40b516d9-49f5-491d-8ffd-624629afee01","applyUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/40b516d9-49f5-491d-8ffd-624629afee01/application","descriptionHtml":"

Company Description:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!


About the Role:

We are seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in mechanical design and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on mechanical and structural design and integration of power generation systems and components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, piping, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.

The ideal candidate will combine strong fundamentals and practical product development experience to bridge system architecture, physical layout, and structural integrity, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.

The role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.

The title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.

Responsibilities:

· Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance targets related to mechanical structures and fluid systems

· Develop and maintain system-level architecture for mechanical and fluid subsystems

· Perform trade studies to evaluate mechanical configurations, flow architectures, and their impact on system performance and cost

· Integrate components such as pumps, piping networks, valves, heat exchangers, and rotating machinery into the overall system design

· Design structural support hardware for multiple components and sub-systems

· Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components, determine flow rates, estimate stresses, etc.

· Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural integrity of components and subsystems

· Identify opportunities to optimize plant layout to increase construction efficiency, minimize cost, and improve maintainability

· Identify, outline, design, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation

· Assist in the development of test plans and instrumentation strategies to validate mechanical and fluid performance

· Analyze experimental data to refine and improve system design

· Generate technical documentation including system specifications, modeling reports, design trade studies, test analysis reports

· Develop and manage relationships with third-party vendors

· Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements

· Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs

Required Qualifications:

Basic Experience:

Bonus Experience:

Compensation:

","descriptionPlain":"COMPANY DESCRIPTION:\n\nCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.\n\nCritical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.\n\n\n\n\nOUR MISSION:\n\nTo build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.\n\nWe are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!\n\n\n\nABOUT THE ROLE:\n\nWe are seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in mechanical design and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on mechanical and structural design and integration of power generation systems and components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, piping, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.\n\nThe ideal candidate will combine strong fundamentals and practical product development experience to bridge system architecture, physical layout, and structural integrity, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.\n\nThe role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.\n\nThe title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.\n\nExperience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.\n\n\n\n\nRESPONSIBILITIES:\n\n· Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance targets related to mechanical structures and fluid systems\n\n· Develop and maintain system-level architecture for mechanical and fluid subsystems\n\n· Perform trade studies to evaluate mechanical configurations, flow architectures, and their impact on system performance and cost\n\n· Integrate components such as pumps, piping networks, valves, heat exchangers, and rotating machinery into the overall system design\n\n· Design structural support hardware for multiple components and sub-systems\n\n· Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components, determine flow rates, estimate stresses, etc.\n\n· Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural integrity of components and subsystems\n\n· Identify opportunities to optimize plant layout to increase construction efficiency, minimize cost, and improve maintainability\n\n· Identify, outline, design, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation\n\n· Assist in the development of test plans and instrumentation strategies to validate mechanical and fluid performance\n\n· Analyze experimental data to refine and improve system design\n\n· Generate technical documentation including system specifications, modeling reports, design trade studies, test analysis reports\n\n· Develop and manage relationships with third-party vendors\n\n· Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements\n\n· Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs\n\n\n\n\nREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:\n\n - Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience\n\n - 5+ years of proven experience in systems engineering or highly related role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving diverse and integrated machinery\n\n - A solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including structural and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science\n\n - Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX\n\n - Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills\n\n - Highly self-motivated with effective communication and team-working skills\n\n\n\n\nBASIC EXPERIENCE:\n\n - Experience with components and sub-systems common to power generation or process plants, like heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, valves, piping, fittings, sensors, and fluid management systems\n\n - Strong intuition for optimizing the layout of a complex system of machinery\n\n - Experience generating 3D models and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function\n\n - Experience with FEA using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, Catia)\n\n - You have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Turbomachinery, Dev Test, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability\n\n - You are effective and respectful in communicating with other engineers even when it is controversial or regarding errors that you have observed or have been observed in your work\n\n - Experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation including design reviews and component and system specifications\n\n\n\n\nBONUS EXPERIENCE:\n\n - You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant\n\n - Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment\n\n - Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent)\n\n - Hands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modifications\n\n\nCOMPENSATION:\n\n - Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum\n\n - Equity options\n\n - 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical\n\n - 100% company-covered dental and vision\n\n - Daily catered lunch\n\n - Several annual social and team building outings"},{"id":"3aec2249-e6b9-49e7-8c03-abec25039981","title":"Senior Mechanical Engineer, Systems Thermal & Fluid Dynamics","department":"Engineering","team":"Engineering","employmentType":"FullTime","location":"Hawthorne, CA","secondaryLocations":[],"publishedAt":"2026-04-21T22:33:24.806+00:00","isListed":true,"isRemote":false,"workplaceType":"OnSite","address":{"postalAddress":{"addressRegion":"California","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Hawthorne"}},"jobUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/3aec2249-e6b9-49e7-8c03-abec25039981","applyUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/3aec2249-e6b9-49e7-8c03-abec25039981/application","descriptionHtml":"

Company Description:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!


About the Role:

We are seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in thermal and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on system-level modeling, thermal management, and fluid flow analysis, primarily at the 1D level, across components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.

The ideal candidate will bridge system architecture, physics-based modeling, and product development, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.

The role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.

The title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.

Responsibilities:

Required Qualifications:

Basic Experience:

Bonus Experience:

Compensation:

","descriptionPlain":"COMPANY DESCRIPTION:\n\nCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.\n\nCritical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.\n\n\n\n\nOUR MISSION:\n\nTo build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.\n\nWe are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!\n\n\n\nABOUT THE ROLE:\n\nWe are seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in thermal and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on system-level modeling, thermal management, and fluid flow analysis, primarily at the 1D level, across components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.\n\nThe ideal candidate will bridge system architecture, physics-based modeling, and product development, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.\n\nThe role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.\n\nThe title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.\n\nExperience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.\n\n\n\n\nRESPONSIBILITIES:\n\n - Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets for thermal and fluid subsystems\n\n - Own system PFD and P&ID\n\n - Develop sub-system and system-level models to calculate steady, transient, and off-design thermal and fluid behavior using commercial analysis tools or in-house tools (e.g., Python code)\n\n - Support system trade studies evaluating performance, efficiency, and cost impacts\n\n - Support the integration of components including heat exchangers, pumps, fluid management systems, piping networks, and other auxiliary and support systems\n\n - Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components, determine flow rates, estimate component and system efficiency, etc.\n\n - Perform CFD and thermal analysis to evaluate heat transfer, pressure losses, flow distribution, and efficiency\n\n - Identify, outline, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation\n\n - Assist in the development of test plans and instrumentation strategies to validate thermo-fluid performance\n\n - Analyze experimental data to refine models and improve system design\n\n - Support development of control strategies related to thermal and fluid system performance\n\n - Generate technical documentation including system specifications, modeling reports, design trade studies, test analysis reports\n\n - Develop and manage relationships with third-party vendors\n\n - Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements\n\n - Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs\n\n\n\n\nREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:\n\n - Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience\n\n - 5+ years of proven experience in systems engineering or highly related role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving diverse and integrated machinery\n\n - A solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science as it pertains to system sizing and modeling\n\n - Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX\n\n - Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills\n\n - Highly self-motivated with effective communication and team-working skills\n\n\n\n\nBASIC EXPERIENCE:\n\n - Experience with components and sub-systems common to power generation or process plants, like heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, valves, piping, fittings, sensors, and fluid management systems\n\n - Understanding of thermodynamic cycles (e.g., Rankine, Brayton)\n\n - Experience generating 3D models and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function\n\n - You have built 1D models of thermo-fluid systems using commercial software (e.g., Aspen, Dymola)\n\n - Proven experience using Python or another coding language to build thermal and/or fluid models\n\n - In-depth knowledge of the design and operation of heat exchangers and how to select the appropriate type for a given application\n\n - Understanding of the applicable codes, compliance, and regulations pertaining to development, deployment, and commissioning processing or power generation hardware\n\n - Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent, Numeca)\n\n - You have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Turbomachinery, Dev Test, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability\n\n - You are effective and respectful in communicating with other engineers even when it is controversial or regarding errors that you have observed or have been observed in your work\n\n - Experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation including design reviews and component and system specifications\n\n\nBONUS EXPERIENCE:\n\n - You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant\n\n - Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment\n\n - Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for static structural, vibration, and fatigue using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, Catia)\n\n - Hands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modifications\n\n\nCOMPENSATION:\n\n - Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum\n\n - Equity options\n\n - 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical\n\n - 100% company-covered dental and vision\n\n - Daily catered lunch\n\n - Several annual social and team building outings"},{"id":"74b55856-366c-43e1-bab6-67364f515b01","title":"Senior Turbomachinery Mechanical Design Engineer","department":"Engineering","team":"Engineering","employmentType":"FullTime","location":"Hawthorne, CA","secondaryLocations":[],"publishedAt":"2026-04-21T22:37:10.304+00:00","isListed":true,"isRemote":false,"workplaceType":"OnSite","address":{"postalAddress":{"addressRegion":"California","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Hawthorne"}},"jobUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/74b55856-366c-43e1-bab6-67364f515b01","applyUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/74b55856-366c-43e1-bab6-67364f515b01/application","descriptionHtml":"

Company Description:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!

About the Role:

We are seeking an innovative and versatile Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to create new turbomachinery. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Mechanical Design Engineer will help design our next generation of power-generating turbine products, taking ownership from cradle to grave and driving the project through completion. This role will focus on mechanical design from piece parts to system integration, with both attention to detail and a broad understanding of the product.

The role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Turbomachinery team in addition to Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Systems, Field Ops, and others. This role will often be a pivot between teams.

Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.

The title of this role will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Direct experience with turbomachinery is not a firm requirement but is a significant bonus.

Responsibilities:

Required Qualifications:

Basic Experience:

Bonus Experience:

Compensation:

","descriptionPlain":"COMPANY DESCRIPTION:\n\nCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.\n\nCritical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.\n\n\n\n\nOUR MISSION:\n\nTo build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.\n\nWe are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!\n\n\n\n\nABOUT THE ROLE:\n\nWe are seeking an innovative and versatile Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to create new turbomachinery. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Mechanical Design Engineer will help design our next generation of power-generating turbine products, taking ownership from cradle to grave and driving the project through completion. This role will focus on mechanical design from piece parts to system integration, with both attention to detail and a broad understanding of the product.\n\nThe role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Turbomachinery team in addition to Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Systems, Field Ops, and others. This role will often be a pivot between teams.\n\nCandidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.\n\nThe title of this role will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.\n\nDirect experience with turbomachinery is not a firm requirement but is a significant bonus.\n\n\n\n\nRESPONSIBILITIES:\n\n - Take ownership of the turbomachinery detailed CAD models, layout, and draft drawings per ASME Y14.5 to document and communicate your designs; collaborate with other engineers on checking and reviewing models & drawings\n\n - Find unique design solutions by integrating your own innovations with requirements and opportunities found by other subject-area experts (such as turbomachinery, fluid systems, electrical systems, and development test)\n\n - Perform hand calculations and structural analyses via finite element analysis to validate your design; collaborate with other engineers on checking and reviewing analyses\n\n - Drive your project to delivery by supporting the fabrication, assembly, and testing of the hardware you have designed; review production issues and proactively hunt for solutions\n\n - Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements\n\n - Develop innovative design concepts for new machines or fluid systems\n\n - Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs\n\n\n\n\nREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:\n\n - Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience\n\n - 5+ years of proven experience in a mechanical design role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving complex machinery\n\n - A solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science as it pertains to system sizing and modeling\n\n - Familiarity with basic design for manufacturing (DFM) principles for 5-axis, CNC machined and 3D printed metallic turbomachinery components\n\n - Familiarity with designing for casting, forging, additive, precision grinding, gear / spline hobbing and / or similar\n\n - Familiarity with choosing appropriate fastener torques / preloads\n\n - Familiarity with sealing design and choosing corresponding seals\n\n - Familiarity with high-performance polymers used in bushings / seals\n\n - Proficiency in applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5)\n\n - Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX\n\n - You have created CAD models of parts that were actually produced and assembled into a machine\n\n - Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills\n\n - Highly self-motivated; Effective communication and team-working skills\n\n\n\n\nBASIC EXPERIENCE:\n\n - Experience with assemblies and secondary systems common to engines and generators, like piping, fittings, valves, pumps, sensors, and actuators\n\n - Building and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function of all individual piece parts—you can set up an assembly in CAD that is both digitally robust and easy to assemble in the real world\n\n - Experience with stress and thermal hand calculations on components and assemblies to ensure they can withstand operational loads and temperatures\n\n - Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent)\n\n - You have prototype and production level experience with detailed manufacturing drawings with appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T)\n\n - You take responsibility to personally talk to machinists / technicians about the GD&T on your drawings and then implement their feedback to make the product better\n\n - Your drawings are a cohesive piece of documentation and not just a random assortment of views with dimensions\n\n - You have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability\n\n - You are effective and respectful in communicating with other engineers even when it is controversial or regarding errors that you have observed or have been observed in your work\n\n - Knowledge of common materials and manufacturing methods; you can look at most objects around you and identify the possible ways they were made and what general type of material they were made from\n\n - Experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation, including design reviews, process specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs)\n\n\n\n\nBONUS EXPERIENCE:\n\n - In-depth knowledge of the design and operation of specific types of turbomachinery (e.g., gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal pumps)\n\n - You have personally made and assembled metal or plastic parts that were included in a machine BOM and successfully operated\n\n - Experience with rotating machinery and their sub-components like rotors, stators, bearings, seals, housings/casings, high performance shafts, etc.\n\n - Understanding of how to manage leakage flow and its impact on thrust management\n\n - Experience with analyzing static structural, vibration, and fatigue\n\n - Experience with rotordynamics analysis including bearing design and selection\n\n - Hands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modifications\n\n - Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment\n\n - CAD experience with mechanical routing and / or surface modeling\n\n\n\n\nCOMPENSATION:\n\n - Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum\n\n - Equity options\n\n - 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical\n\n - 100% company-covered dental and vision\n\n - Daily catered lunch\n\n - Several annual social and team building outings"},{"id":"c0e2011f-aa95-454d-a5c1-a78997364271","title":"Senior Electrical Engineer, Controls","department":"Engineering","team":"Engineering","employmentType":"FullTime","location":"Hawthorne, CA","secondaryLocations":[],"publishedAt":"2026-06-26T22:26:56.322+00:00","isListed":true,"isRemote":false,"workplaceType":"OnSite","address":{"postalAddress":{"addressRegion":"California","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Hawthorne"}},"jobUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/c0e2011f-aa95-454d-a5c1-a78997364271","applyUrl":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/critical-energy/c0e2011f-aa95-454d-a5c1-a78997364271/application","descriptionHtml":"

Company Description:

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.

Critical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission:

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.

We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!

About the Role:

We are seeking Senior Electrical Engineer, Controls to own the design, development, and deployment of the instrumentation and controls of our heat-to-electricity ORC products. You will collaborate closely with the systems and turbomachinery teams to translate CONOPS, safety, and system performance requirements into instrumentation hardware procurement decisions and software control schemes. This role will also be part of the commissioning team, including factory acceptance testing and onsite deployments at customer sites. This is a full-time, on-site position located in our Hawthorne, CA facility.

Responsibilities:

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Compensation:

","descriptionPlain":"Company Description:\n\nCritical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.\n\nCritical Energy’s technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.\n\n\n\nOur Mission:\n\nTo build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.\n\nWe are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!\n\n\n\nAbout the Role:\n\nWe are seeking Senior Electrical Engineer, Controls to own the design, development, and deployment of the instrumentation and controls of our heat-to-electricity ORC products. You will collaborate closely with the systems and turbomachinery teams to translate CONOPS, safety, and system performance requirements into instrumentation hardware procurement decisions and software control schemes. This role will also be part of the commissioning team, including factory acceptance testing and onsite deployments at customer sites. This is a full-time, on-site position located in our Hawthorne, CA facility.\n\n\n\nResponsibilities:\n\n - Architect, develop, and commission PLC-based control systems for ORC power plant processes including working fluid pumps, air-cooled condensers, heat exchangers, and auxiliary systems\n\n - Design and implement HMI and SCADA applications providing operators with clear process visibility, alarm management, and control functionality\n\n - Develop control strategies for key process loops including pressure control, working fluid flow regulation, heat source management, and startup/shutdown sequencing\n\n - Specify, select, and integrate field instrumentation including pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature transmitters, and level devices\n\n - Design and lay out industrial electrical control panels compliant with NEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508A, manage panel builds, field wiring, and loop checkout\n\n - Implement and maintain safety instrumented functions per IEC 61511 principles including SIL verification, cause and effect matrix development, and SIS logic implementation\n\n - Integrate plant devices across industrial communication protocols including EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, DNP3, and OPC-UA\n\n - Develop and maintain controls documentation including I/O lists, network architecture diagrams, functional descriptions, cause and effect matrices, and FAT/SAT procedures\n\n - Support factory acceptance testing and field commissioning of control systems for future plant deployments\n\n - Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure controls architecture supports plant performance, safety, and reliability requirements\n\n - Contribute to development of controls standards, templates, and reusable code libraries to drive consistency across future plant designs\n\n\n\nRequired Qualifications:\n\n - Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field\n\n - 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems\n\n - Demonstrated PLC programming experience: Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley or Siemens acceptable\n\n - Experience with Structured Text (ST) or similar IEC 61131-3 standard language\n\n - Experience developing HMI and SCADA applications from scratch with emphasis on operator usability and alarm rationalization\n\n - Proficiency reading and producing electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs\n\n - Experience with industrial fieldbus and communication protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, or equivalent)\n\n - Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508A for industrial control panel design\n\n - Strong first-principles analytical and troubleshooting skills, able to debug complex system interactions across mechanical, electrical, and software domains\n\n - Highly self-motivated with demonstrated ability to drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision in a fast-paced startup environment\n\n\n\nPreferred Qualifications:\n\n - Experience with ORC, geothermal, Rankine-cycle, or other power generation systems\n\n - Experience with VFD-driven motor systems including tuning, commissioning, and integration with PLC control loops\n\n - Familiarity with IEC 61511 safety instrumented systems and SIL classification\n\n - Experience with data historian platforms and process data infrastructure\n\n - Python experience for data acquisition, analysis, or PLC/SCADA integration\n\n - Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for controls documentation\n\n - Exposure to API 670 machinery protection systems\n\n - Experience supporting hardware bring-up, FAT, SAT, and commissioning in field environments\n\n - NFPA 70E electrical safety certification\n\n\n\nCompensation:\n\n - Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum\n\n - Equity options\n\n - 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical\n\n - 100% company-covered dental and vision\n\n - Flexible Spending Account (FSA)\n\n - 401k retirement options\n\n - Daily catered lunch\n\n - Free EV charging\n\n - Several annual social and team building outings"}],"apiVersion":"1"}