Build Test Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.

We are seeking a Test Engineering Technician to join our cross-functional Test Engineering team as its first dedicated technician, reporting to the Engineering Manager for Test Engineering. You will take primary responsibility for the physical operation, maintenance, and upgrade of our existing large-scale test facilities, as well as helping build new test systems, with an emphasis on mechanical systems (roughly 3/4 of the role) and supporting electrical/instrumentation work (roughly 1/4 of the role).

This is a hands-on role in a climate-controlled, well-lit shop and lab environment. You'll keep test rigs running reliably between campaigns, support the mechanical and electrical engineers who design and run the tests, and, once trained, work at the operator's console. You'll work closely with the Turbogenerator Development, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Node Integration & Test teams.

Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis. You will own your designs cradle-to-grave, from first concept through fabrication and deployment at sea. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.

• Perform physical operation, maintenance, and upgrades on existing test rigs, and support the build of new test systems.
• Maintain test infrastructure fluid systems: monitor water quality and compressed air/water piping, pumps, and filters, performing routine preventive maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies; identify and procure what's needed to keep test operations running.
• Operate mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) and overhead cranes; work safely at elevation and lift large objects (up to 50 lbs) as part of routine test rig operations.
• Perform light fabrication tasks in support of test setups, such as drilling and basic use of mills or lathes; interface with our welders and machinists on more complex fabrication needs.
• Assemble and troubleshoot electrical cables and harnesses; perform basic continuity checks and instrumentation calibration using a digital multimeter and related tools.
• Apply working knowledge of low-voltage instrumentation concepts in support of test setups.
• Troubleshoot systems by tracing signals, identifying likely root causes, and methodically eliminating variables through controlled tests.
• Write and follow test procedures and maintenance documentation for the systems you operate and maintain.
• Once trained, operate test rigs from the operator's console in support of test campaigns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment; follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
• Support adjacent teams (Turbogenerator Development, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Node Integration & Test) as testing priorities require.

• Hands-on technical background such as an engineering R&D lab, academic research lab, aerospace test facility, aircraft mechanic, capital equipment or automation machinery, automotive mechanic, or industrial maintenance.
• Prior experience working closely with mechanical or electrical engineering teams.
• Comfort working on elevated platforms and operating an overhead crane.
• Familiarity with lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures and a demonstrated commitment to a clean, safe working environment.
• Basic fabrication skills: drilling and comfort around mills or lathes.
• Comfort using common hand and power tools (e.g., impact wrenches, drills, torque wrenches, hand crimpers) and precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers).
• Basic electrical skills: using a digital multimeter for continuity checks and basic instrumentation calibration, and a conceptual understanding of low-voltage instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting instincts: tracing signals, identifying root causes, and systematically eliminating variables.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including writing clear test procedures and maintenance documentation.
• Willingness to be trained as a Non-Qualified Electrical Safety Worker, with the potential to grow into a Qualified Electrical Safety Worker.

• Soldering experience for cable-building.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Experience building or modifying test stands or ground support equipment (GSE), not just maintaining existing rigs.
• Experience working with pressurized or high-pressure systems.
• Familiarity with data acquisition (DAQ) systems.

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

This role offers growth opportunities, including a path toward becoming a Qualified Electrical Safety Worker and toward broader technical responsibility on the Test Engineering team.

• You may be required to be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
• You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on mobile elevated work platforms, ladders, and platforms, while using appropriate safety equipment.

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $105,000 - $125,000.
• Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled)
  • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

This is an onsite position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.