Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary

Quaise Energy develops millimeter wave drilling systems for deep geothermal heat access. Our technology is the only approach in the world with the potential to build geothermal wells at unprecedented depths and temperatures. Quaise’s technology consists of a source of millimeter wave (MMW) such as a gyrotron operating in continuous wave mode and at high power, to vaporize subsurface rock.

Quaise is seeking a mechanical engineer to assist in developing lab-scale and field-ready MMW drilling systems. You will work with a team to design components and systems for directed energy drilling systems and test fixtures, select and integrate process equipment, test, and analyze results. This is a generalized role with high growth potential into specialized areas focused on structural design, controls & instrumentation development, dynamic system design, or heat transfer system design, or test & analysis depending on candidate’s aptitude and interest.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this role is to develop dynamic testing and operating drilling systems for the Quaise MMW Drilling System. You will work with a team to develop and integrate hardware needed for lab experiments and full-scale drilling systems.  Specific responsibilities could include:

• Structural design for drilling experiments, including analysis of complex geometry using FEA.
• Identifying and sourcing sensors and actuators to monitor and control experiments.
• Heat transfer analysis on mechanical and electrical components.
• Designing and carrying out testing, including Design of Experiments. Data collection and post-test analysis for experiment documentation.
• Material selection per project requirements to optimize strength, electrical or thermal conductivity, or fatigue life depending on component application.

This role will require you to design, build, and test in rapid fashion to bring direct energy drilling to market at an accelerated pace. You will also work with vendors and manufacturers to specify and source custom and commercially available components needed for this effort.

Candidate would be at the forefront of technology development for geothermal application, which involves researching, collaborating, specifying, sourcing, integrating, implementing, performing DOE, analyzing results, and building on lessons learned. Ability to troubleshoot and recover is a must.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering fields related to mechanical disciplines (Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Robotics).

Minimum 4 years in industry in a design-focused role. Experience gained in the specific areas listed below are a plus:

• Applications of dynamic systems, including linear and/or rotating motion.
• Design & development of control systems or subsystems.
• Component design for downhole tools.
• Material selection to meet design requirements.
• Heat transfer analysis.
• Complex structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis tools, particularly ANSYS Mechanical.