VP, Mechanical Engineering

Title: Vice President, Mechanical Engineering

Salary: $250,000 – $320,000 + Executive Equity + Relocation Package

Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee

We are partnering with a venture-backed advanced clean energy scale-up transitioning from core R&D into active hardware deployment. They are building complex, high-temperature, high-pressure physical systems that will redefine the global energy grid.

They need a Director of Mechanical Engineering to own the physical hardware design, build out the mechanical organization, and drive the transition from prototype to commercial manufacturing.

The Role: Reporting to the EVP of Engineering, you will own the mechanical engineering discipline. You will manage a growing team of mechanical, structural, and thermal-fluids engineers. This is a "player-coach" role where you will set the functional standards, run rigorous design reviews, and actively dive into complex CAD and FEA challenges while simultaneously scaling your headcount.

What You'll Do:

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• Own the Hardware Design: Drive the design, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems including high-pressure vessels, complex piping networks, heat exchangers, and structural containment.
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• Team Scaling & Leadership: Hire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of mechanical engineers and CAD designers, establishing the internal culture of engineering rigor.
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• Code & Compliance Mastery: Ensure all physical designs meet strict industry standards for heavy, high-consequence infrastructure (such as ASME Section III / VIII).
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• Cross-Functional Execution: Partner with Systems Engineering, I&C, and Supply Chain to ensure your team's designs can actually be manufactured and assembled in the field.
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Who You Are:

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• You have 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy hardware, operating in high-consequence industries like Advanced Nuclear, Naval Submarines, Aerospace Launch Vehicles, or Heavy Energy infrastructure.
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• You have a proven track record (3+ years) of directly managing and scaling mechanical engineering teams.
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• You possess deep technical expertise in structural mechanics, thermal-fluids, ASME codes, and modern CAD/PLM environments.
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• You are a builder who thrives in venture-backed, high-growth environments where you can actively shape both the physical product and the organizational structure.
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How to Apply: This is a strictly confidential search. If you are a technical leader who wants to own the mechanical design of a truly paradigm-shifting physical technology, submit your resume or LinkedIn profile to start the conversation.