Sr. Mechanical Technician

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.

The Senior Mechanical Technician plays a key role in supporting Quaise's research and development activities through the design support, integration, assembly, testing, modification, and maintenance of experimental mechanical systems and prototype hardware. Working alongside scientists and engineers, this position helps build, troubleshoot, and refine laboratory test systems that advance the development of millimeter wave drilling technologies, including waveguides, gyrotrons, power supplies, pumps, compressors, and other specialized research equipment.

Leveraging strong hands-on mechanical experience, this individual provides technical expertise, practical recommendations, and troubleshooting support to improve prototype performance, laboratory operations, and experimental outcomes. While the primary focus of this position is supporting research and laboratory activities, the role may also participate in field demonstrations and technology validation efforts as research programs advance.

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

• Assemble, fabricate, modify, and maintain prototype hardware, experimental mechanical systems, and laboratory equipment supporting Quaise's research and development programs.
• Build, integrate, and troubleshoot mechanical assemblies used in the development and testing of millimeter wave drilling technologies, including waveguides, gyrotrons, power supplies, pumps, compressors, and other specialized research equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, technical documentation, and assembly instructions to support fabrication, testing, and system integration.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to rapidly prototype, evaluate, and refine experimental designs, providing practical feedback on manufacturability, reliability, and performance.
• Conduct laboratory testing, equipment inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance to maximize research uptime and ensure reliable operation of experimental systems.
• Assist with the setup, organization, expansion, and continuous improvement of laboratory workspaces, research infrastructure, tooling, and equipment.
• Install, relocate, commission, and maintain laboratory equipment and prototype test systems as research needs evolve.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams on laboratory equipment installation, maintenance activities, facility improvements, and specialized tooling.
• Partner with the Research Director to establish safe, efficient laboratory workflows, operational procedures, and best practices that support the continued growth of the research facility.
• Maintain accurate documentation of prototype builds, equipment modifications, testing activities, laboratory procedures, and equipment maintenance.
• Support safe laboratory operations by following company safety practices and identifying opportunities to improve laboratory organization, efficiency, and functionality.
• Participate in field demonstrations, prototype deployments, and technology validation activities as needed to support research objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated experience in prototype fabrication, complex mechanical assemblies, equipment integration, and laboratory support.
• Proficiency using hand and power tools, machine shop equipment, precision measuring instruments, manual mills, lathes, drill presses, forklifts, overhead cranes, welding, and soldering techniques.
• Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining complex mechanical systems, laboratory equipment, and prototype hardware.
• Capable of installing basic electrical circuits, including wiring, outlets, and controls.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, technical documentation, and assembly instructions.
• Experience coordinating or overseeing work performed by external vendors and contractors.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental practices, with demonstrated commitment to maintaining safe laboratory operations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify practical solutions in a research environment.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to quality, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced research environment where priorities and project needs evolve.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prototype builds, and laboratory priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Supervisory responsibilities

• May supervise the work of contractors to ensure work is completed in accordance with project requirements.
• This role does not include direct people-management responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or associate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in a mechanical technician role, preferably within the engineering or manufacturing industry.
• Experience supporting prototype development, laboratory research, advanced manufacturing, or new product development environments preferred.
• Certification in mechanical systems or related areas preferred.
• OSHA or other workplace safety certifications preferred.

 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 50 pounds at times for departmental needs.
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, lifting, and other physical tasks associated with mechanical assembly, facility and equipment maintenance.
• Comfort working in various environments, including confined spaces and elevated areas.
• The vision requirement includes reviewing written and electronic materials in digital and physical format as well as inspecting and working with small parts.
• The hearing requirement includes the ability to hear alarms, instructions, and other sounds for safe and effective performance.
• Ability to work safely around high voltage and high power systems, consistently prioritizing safe work environments and adhering to established safety protocols and procedures.