Senior Fluid Systems Engineer - Thermodynamic Cycle & System Design

Senior Fluid Systems Engineer - Architect Advanced Thermal & Power Conversion SystemsHawthorne, CA | On-siteOpportunity SummaryJoin a venture-backed energy technology company developing advanced power generation systems designed to address growing global energy demands. This role will own the thermodynamic cycle and fluid systems architecture that serve as the foundation of a next-generation power platform. Working directly with the founding engineering team, you will define system operating conditions, develop cycle models, design fluid infrastructure, and support hardware integration through commissioning and testing.

This position sits at the intersection of systems engineering, thermodynamics, and hardware development, requiring both analytical depth and practical engineering execution.About UsWe are an early-stage energy technology company developing advanced power generation and conversion systems for future energy infrastructure. The team combines deep expertise across turbomachinery, thermal systems, manufacturing, and testing to build scalable hardware capable of addressing growing power demands. With active hardware development underway and significant technical milestones ahead, this is an opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping a complex energy system from the ground up.Job DutiesLead thermodynamic cycle modeling and fluid system analysis for a high-power energy platformDefine system state points, mass flow requirements, operating conditions, and performance targetsDevelop steady-state and transient models to evaluate system behavior across the operating envelopeServe as the primary systems interface between turbomachinery, controls, structures, and test engineering teamsLead development of process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and fluid system architecturesSpecify and select valves, instrumentation, piping, fittings, tubing, and supporting balance-of-plant hardwareEstablish system requirements and manage critical subsystem interfacesSupport commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and test activitiesCompare model predictions against hardware performance and drive design improvements based on test dataContribute to long-term system architecture decisions and future product development effortsQualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related fieldStrong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transferExperience developing thermodynamic, process, or cycle models for complex engineering systemsExperience using engineering analysis tools such as Python-based modeling environments, process simulation software, or equivalent platformsWorking knowledge of fluid system hardware, including valves, instrumentation, piping, fittings, and related componentsAbility to translate analytical models into practical, buildable hardware systemsStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teamsComfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environmentPreferred ExperienceExperience with advanced thermodynamic cycles, real-gas systems, or high-pressure fluid processesDevelopment of industrial process systems, thermal plants, or power generation infrastructureP&ID creation, equipment specification, and fluid system designPressure relief system design, overpressure protection analysis, and safety reviewsFamiliarity with process or power piping codes and industry standardsDynamic or transient system simulation experienceTurbomachinery performance analysis and system integrationStartup or early-stage hardware development experienceWhy Join UsJoin a venture-backed company tackling one of the most challenging problems in energy and power generationOwn a foundational system that directly influences every major engineering discipline across the productWork alongside experienced founders and multidisciplinary engineering leadersSignificant technical ownership and influence over system architectureMeaningful equity ownershipMedical, dental, and vision insuranceFully stocked kitchen with snacks, coffee, and lunchOpportunity to help shape a growing engineering organization and future product roadmapCompensation Details$180,000 - $230,000