Tidal Energy Engineer – Blade & Hydrodynamic Design Specialist
You will enter a venture-backed laboratory where marine physicists, composite technologists and grid integration experts iterate rapidly—turning bold blue-ocean concepts into grid-connected assets. Decision cycles are short, creativity is prized, safety is non-negotiable. Your insight will influence everything from experimental rigs to full-scale pilot farms.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform end-to-end hydrodynamic CFD simulations in Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM and ANSYS Fluent, refining blade profiles for maximum coefficient of power.
- Lead coupled aero-hydro-elastic analyses with Bladed/FAST to verify structural integrity under cyclic high-current load cases.
- Optimize multi-row tidal array layouts—minimizing wake interference while boosting annual energy yield and capacity factor.
- Execute resource assessments: collect ADCP data, calibrate tidal flow models, generate site suitability maps and bank-grade reports.
- Design monopile, tripod and gravity-base foundations in OrcaFlex, integrating geotechnical inputs for diverse seabed compositions.
- Collaborate with electrical, controls and installation teams to ensure subsystem compatibility and streamlined deployment strategies.
- Author concise technical documentation, standards compliance notes and IP disclosures.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical, Ocean or Civil Engineering (PhD advantageous).
- 5+ years designing marine current or wind turbine blades, with demonstrable CFD portfolio.
- Proficiency in Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent and post-processing tools (ParaView, Tecplot).
- Strong command of hydrodynamics, fluid-structure interaction, fatigue and fracture mechanics.
- Working knowledge of OrcaFlex, SACS or equivalent for subsea structural analysis.
- Data-driven mindset: MATLAB or Python scripting for automation, statistical validation and fast prototyping.
- US work authorization and ability to travel occasionally to coastal test sites.
- Clear, persuasive communicator who thrives in multi-disciplinary R&D environments.