What We Do at Verterra Energy
At Verterra Energy, we're on a mission to harness the power in the world's rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero emission electricity.
Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers.
Recent press releases can be found on our website:
https://www.verterraenergy.com/news
About Verterra
Verterra is an R&D-driven energy technology company building structural hardware that operates in real water environments. Our composite structures are not cosmetic - they are load-bearing, hydrodynamic, fatigue-critical components of the VOLTURNUS system and related platforms.
We are seeking a senior-level subject matter expert in structural composites who can own composite architecture, process development, and structural reliability as we transition from prototypes to durable, repeatable production builds.
This is not an entry-level design role. We are looking for someone who has led composite structural programs and understands how to design, validate, and scale composite systems that survive real operating environments.
Role overview
You will be the technical authority on structural composites at Verterra.
You will define laminate architecture, material systems, processing methods, tooling strategy, and structural validation approaches. You will work cross-functionally with mechanical, hydrodynamic, and test engineers to ensure composite structures meet load, fatigue, and environmental durability requirements.
You will also establish the processes and documentation required to scale composite builds without sacrificing structural integrity.
Core responsibilities
Composite Structural Design Leadership
- Lead laminate design for primary structural components
- Define fiber orientation strategies, stacking sequences, core selection, and bonding strategies
- Perform or oversee structural analysis (hand calculations and FEA validation support)
- Own material system selection based on mechanical performance, fatigue, environmental exposure, and manufacturability
Process & Manufacturing Development
- Define and improve structural composite processes: infusion, pre-preg, wet layup, closed molding
- Establish cure cycles, quality controls, inspection methods, and acceptance criteria
- Drive repeatable tooling strategies and mold design for structural consistency
- Evaluate and qualify external composite vendors when fabrication is outsourced
Structural Validation & Testing
- Define structural test plans (coupon, subcomponent, full-scale where appropriate)
- Interpret test data and adjust laminate architecture accordingly
- Ensure durability under fatigue, water exposure, and real environmental conditions
- Develop documentation for structural sign-off and repeatability
Tooling & Shop Infrastructure
- Oversee mold design and fixture strategy to prevent dimensional drift
- Ensure tooling supports structural repeatability, not just part shape
- Improve shop practices to reduce variability in fiber volume fraction, void content, and bond integrity
Documentation & Scale
- Create structural documentation that supports repeatable builds
- Define quality checkpoints and inspection standards
- Train technicians on structural-critical practices and failure prevention
Minimum qualifications
- 10+ years of structural composite engineering experience
- Demonstrated leadership of composite structural programs in marine, aerospace, wind, or similar high-load environments
- Experience designing primary load-bearing composite structures
- Deep understanding of laminate theory, failure modes, fatigue behavior, and environmental degradation
- Hands-on experience with infusion, pre-preg, or closed molding systems
- Experience moving composite structures from prototype to repeatable production
Preferred qualifications
- Marine or hydrodynamic structural experience
- Experience designing for water ingress, osmotic effects, and long-term immersion
- Background in fatigue-critical rotating or cyclic-load structures
- Experience building internal composite capability within a small team
What success looks like in this role
- Composite structures meet load and fatigue requirements without constant redesign
- Build variability decreases over time
- Tooling and process controls produce consistent fiber volume and bond quality
- Structural documentation supports scaling without quality loss
- The composite function becomes an engineering discipline, not an art project
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid life, disability, and basic protections
- 401(k) with employer match
- Unlimited PTO + 2 weeks sick and safe leave
- 7 company-paid holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
- Stocked kitchen
Equal opportunity
Verterra Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
