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Staff Mechanical Engineer (Durham)

Wenham Carter, Durham, NC, United States


Staff Mechanical Engineer – Grid Optimization & Power Electronics

Location:

Research Triangle Area (Durham/Raleigh), NC
Industry:

Renewable Energy / Smart Grid Technology
Experience Level:

Senior/Staff (15+ Years)

Company Overview
Our client is a leading innovator in advanced power flow control solutions and grid analytics. They develop hardware and software that allow grid operators to optimize existing networks, improve reliability, and accelerate the integration of renewable energy. As the global energy landscape shifts, our client provides the flexible, high-impact infrastructure necessary to modernize the world’s power grids.

Position Summary
The

Staff Mechanical Engineer

serves as a hands-on technical expert and leader in the design, development, and validation of complex electro-mechanical systems. You will lead projects through the full lifecycle—from initial concept and thermal modeling to manufacturing and end-of-life (EoL) analysis. This role is ideal for a self-directed engineer with deep expertise in

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

and

thermal management

who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Primary Responsibilities
Design & Development:

Lead the design of components, assemblies, and tooling for New Product Introduction (NPI) within high-voltage environments.
Technical Simulation:

Conduct advanced simulations using

ANSYS, ANSYS Fluent , or equivalent tools. Perform static, dynamic, thermal, linear, and non-linear analyses on complex assemblies (800+ parts).
Cross-Functional Leadership:

Collaborate with Manufacturing, Product Management, and Field Services to ensure robust design solutions and support field remedial activities.
Documentation:

Oversee the creation of part/assembly drawings, manufacturing instructions, and complex Bills of Materials (BoM).
Analysis:

Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA), vibration/modal testing, and tolerance analysis (GD&T).
Prototyping:

Provide hands-on troubleshooting and engineering support during rapid development cycles and prototype builds.

Candidate Requirements
Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (PhD preferred).
Experience:

15+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, ideally within power electronics or heavy industrial equipment.
Software Proficiency:

Expert-level skills in

SolidWorks , SolidWorks PDM, and SolidWorks Simulation.
PLM Tools:

Competency in

Agile PLM

to manage BoMs, ECOs, MCOs, and work instructions.
Materials Expertise:

Deep knowledge of aluminum, copper, polymers, and composites, specifically regarding fatigue, impact, dielectric insulation, and long-term weather exposure.
Manufacturing:

Proven experience with welding, machining, sheet metal, casting, and injection molding following DFX best practices.
Standards:

Mastery of

ASME Y14.5-2009 (GD&T)

standards.

Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience designing

large outdoor electrical enclosures

or high-voltage power systems.
Knowledge of ISO-regulated environments and power electronics packaging.
Experience leveraging AI tools to optimize engineering workflows.

Compensation & Benefits
Our client offers a premium compensation package designed to attract top-tier talent, including:
Competitive Base Salary

+ Performance Bonus + Equity.
Unlimited Annual Leave

and paid volunteer time.
18 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Comprehensive Health Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement:

401(k) plan with a competitive company match.

The Culture
The organization is built on a foundation of

tenacious courage

and

accountability . They value diverse perspectives and are looking for individuals who want to make a meaningful, positive impact on the planet by challenging the status quo in energy infrastructure.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.