Jr. Mechanical CAD Designer

Quaise Energy is a clean energy company focused on unlocking superhot geothermal energy at a global scale through a radically new deep drilling technology. The company is developing a gyrotron-powered drilling platform that combines conventional rotary drilling with high-power millimeter wave technology, originally derived from fusion energy research, to vaporize rock and reach unprecedented depths in the Earth's crust. This approach allows access to the intense geothermal heat found deep underground without the need for complex downhole equipment, enabling a new class of always-on, dispatchable clean energy generation. Quaise Energy's mission is to make geothermal energy a multi-terawatt, globally scalable resource capable of contributing meaningfully to net-zero goals by 2050. Unlike other renewable energy sources, deep geothermal is available everywhere on Earth, is not weather-dependent, and offers the power density and scalability historically associated with fossil fuels. The company intends to leverage the existing workforce, infrastructure, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks of the oil and gas industry to accelerate deployment without building from scratch. Quaise Energy's first commercial project, Project Obsidian, is under development in Central Oregon, targeting 50 megawatts of initial capacity with a design capable of expanding to 250 megawatts, and aiming for commercial operation by 2030. The company was founded in the Boston, Massachusetts area and spun out of research conducted at MIT.

Quaise Energy is unlocking Earth’s deep heat to deliver clean, reliable, baseload energy at scale – almost anywhere in the world. As both a technology innovator and project developer, Quaise builds and operates solutions that harness superhot geothermal energy far below the surface, enabling power generation that can rival the output of today’s most efficient fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Leveraging millimeter wave drilling, developed after more than a decade of research at MIT, Quaise’s mission is to make superhot geothermal a backbone of the modern energy system, offering affordable, zero-carbon power and true energy independence for communities and nations everywhere.

Quaise is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Jr. Mechanical CAD Designer to support the design, development, and testing of millimeter wave drilling technologies. This role works closely with mechanical, electrical, and RF engineers to create detailed mechanical models, drawings, and prototype assemblies for both laboratory and field applications.

The Jr. Mechanical CAD Designer will support the development of mechanical systems and components by creating production-ready CAD models and drawings, assisting with prototype builds, and collaborating with engineering teams to improve manufacturability, assembly, and overall system integration. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career designer who enjoys hands-on work in a fast-paced R&D environment and is interested in growing their technical capabilities alongside an experienced engineering team.

Essential functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)

• Utilize CAD software to create, modify, and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.
• Support the design and development of prototype mechanical systems and components for lab and field applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers throughout the design process to ensure components meet functional and manufacturing requirements.
• Assist with prototype assembly, fit-up verification, and general mechanical troubleshooting activities in lab environments.
• Support engineering teams in evaluating manufacturability, assembly sequencing, and mechanical integration considerations.
• Assist with identifying and coordinating standard mechanical components and commercially available hardware for prototype assemblies.
• Participate in testing activities, including setup support, data collection, documentation, and general workshop activities.
• Maintain organized CAD files, drawings, BOMs, and related engineering documentation.
• Participate in occasional field visits to support prototype installations, testing, and evaluation activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Proficiency with PTC Creo or similar CAD software required. Experience with Windchill or PLM systems preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a hands-on technical setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to interact well with customers and co-workers, in the field and the office.

Supervisory responsibilities

• This role does not include formal people-management responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or formal training in Drafting, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Technology, or a related technical field required. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.
• 1-3 years of experience in mechanical CAD design, drafting, or engineering support environments preferred.
• Experience supporting prototype development, manufacturing, or industrial mechanical systems is preferred.
• Exposure to machining, fabrication, assembly processes, or industrial equipment is a plus.
• Experience working in R&D, energy, industrial, or manufacturing environments is preferred but not required.
• Experience in well drilling, completion, stimulation, architecture or related technology or mineral exploration.

 Physical requirements

• The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, as well as use hands to feel, reach, grasp, handle, or operate objects, tools and/or controls.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, transfer, or move items up 20 pounds at times for departmental needs.
• Ability to move from one worksite to another or light travel to various job sites and locations to complete tasks.
• The vision requirement includes reviewing written and electronic materials in digital and physical format.