The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Company Description:

Critical Energy is a trailblazing startup in stealth mode, poised to redefine the world of clean energy.

Our Mission:

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

We’re 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 early stages of development and building our founding team. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of something big! If you’re ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!

About the Role:

We’re seeking an inventive and versatile Development Test Engineer to design and operate testing for our next-generation geothermal power plants. You’ll own test campaigns from concept through execution, ensuring that prototypes and systems are validated for performance, safety, and reliability.

This role bridges design, build, and commissioning—providing data and feedback that drive product improvements and production readiness. You’ll work closely with supply chain, manufacturing, thermodynamics, turbomachinery, and systems engineers, often serving as a central point of contact. Candidates must be comfortable in both lab and field environments, including international travel for commissioning support.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, design, and execute testing campaigns for geothermal powerplant hardware and subsystems.

• Create and execute test plans, including data collection, analysis, and validation of system performance; design and oversee test stand builds.

• Support field test campaigns by operating and troubleshooting prototype systems, ensuring clear definition of test procedures and acceptance criteria, safe test execution, and accurate data capture.

• Detect and quantify areas for design improvement; collaborate with engineers to implement upgrades.

• Define requirements for production testing at both component and system levels.

• Develop tools, automation, and analytics (Python/SQL or similar) to evaluate test efficiency and system performance.

• Balance simulation and analysis (structural, thermal, fluid) with physical test campaigns.

• Partner with fabrication and build teams to ensure test prototypes are assembled and issues resolved quickly.

• Document procedures, results, and lessons learned to inform future builds and system designs.

• Train operators and customers during commissioning, ensuring knowledge transfer and safe system use.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical design, testing, or validation of complex machinery.

• Solid grasp of core mechanical engineering principles: statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.

• Demonstrated ability to take projects from concept through testing under tight timelines.

• Experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5).

• Proficiency in a modern CAD package (NX preferred) and ability to rapidly self-teach new tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use both first-principles calculations and software analysis.

• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional and customer-facing collaboration.

• Willingness to travel extensively and operate in field or austere environments.

Basic Experience:

• Developed CAD models and assemblies that were successfully built and tested.

• Hands-on experience with prototype and production-level testing.

• Ability to perform first-principles calculations for simple cases.

• Familiarity with common materials and manufacturing methods.

• Experience creating and maintaining test documentation, BOMs, and specifications.

• Exposure to coordinating logistics and stakeholders for test campaigns or field deployments.

Bonus Experience:

• Experience with prototype assemblies common to turbines, generators, or energy systems.

• Background with NX and Teamcenter environments, including routing or surface modeling.

• Hands-on product development experience: resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data for design changes.

• Experience analyzing vibration, fatigue, or related mechanical phenomena.

• Direct experience machining or fabricating parts and assembling functional hardware.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or production optimization methods.

• Prior startup or small-team hardware development experience.

Compensation Range: $125K - $150K