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Helix Earth · 1 day ago

Senior New Product Introduction Engineer

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Helix Earth is a rapidly growing startup on a mission to combat climate change by transforming the way we cool our planet. They are seeking a Senior NPI Mechanical Engineer who will lead mechanical subsystem design from concept to pre-production and ensure the transition activities for assigned subsystems are executed effectively.

Mechanical Or Industrial Engineering

Hiring Manager

Blake Mistich

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical subsystem design from concept to pre-production, owning architecture, CAD, drawings, and specifications

Own NPI transition activities for assigned subsystems, including CAD and drawing release with revision control, SOPs and work instructions, component selection and sourcing handoff, and build readiness with Operations and Supply Chain

Plan and run design of experiments (DOE) to validate performance, reliability, and safety; analyze results and drive design updates

Build and iterate prototypes (rapid prototyping, machining, additive) and develop test fixtures and methods to evaluate components and assemblies

Lead the design & validation test process , including test plans, instrumentation, data collection, and reporting for design reviews

Plan and execute subsystem and component validation , including test strategy, fixture development, acceptance criteria, and results reviews

Lead reliability testing at component, subsystem, and system levels, including test plans, stress screening, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions

Drive DFM (design for manufacturing) and readiness for pilot builds in collaboration with manufacturing partners and suppliers

Perform analyses (tolerance stacks, stress, thermal, fluids estimates) to inform design decisions and ensure requirements compliance

Create clear documentation: CAD, bill of materials, drawings with GD&T, validation and reliability test plans, and work instructions

Conduct FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) and risk reviews; implement mitigations and verify via test

Collaborate closely with electrical and controls engineers on sensors, actuators, and interfaces for integrated subsystem performance

Support vendor selection, quotes, and bring-up; troubleshoot issues during prototype and pilot builds

Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for review, test, and release gates

Contribute to continuous improvement of hardware testing, data quality, and iteration speed to support program milestones

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringNPI TransitionCAD (SolidWorks)Design of Experiments (DOE)Reliability TestingDFMPrototypingHands-on SkillsRoot-Cause AnalysisGD&THVAC DesignElectrical Engineering FundamentalsCompliance ProcessesClear CommunicationCollaboration

Required

B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field

5+ years of experience developing mechanical subsystems in a startup or fast-paced hardware environment, from design through pre-production

Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent), drawing creation, and revision control

Demonstrated experience with DOE, prototyping, and structured validation testing

Proven experience planning and executing subsystem and component validation with clear test methods and acceptance criteria

Hands-on ownership of NPI transition including drawing release, SOPs, and component selection and sourcing with Operations and Supply Chain

Experience leading reliability testing and closing issues via root-cause and corrective actions

Strong hands-on skills (shop tools, assembly, instrumentation) and a bias for action

Experience leading the design & validation test process (test plans, fixtures, data analysis, reporting)

Working knowledge of DFM, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and supplier collaboration for pilot builds

Clear communicator with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment and deliver on aggressive timelines

Preferred

HVAC design & controls experience

Strong electrical engineering fundamentals for mechatronic integration

Familiarity with compliance/certification processes (e.g., UL, ASME, IEC)

Benefits

Competitive compensation package with equity options.

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off, holidays, and flexible work schedule.

Opportunity to shape cutting-edge sustainable technology with real-world impact.

Collaborative, mission-driven culture with direct exposure to leadership.

Career growth potential in a rapidly scaling startup.

Company

Helix Earth

Born from our work on NASA space missions, we're applying new technologies to solve age-old problems in the HVAC industry and other commercial processes.

Founded in 2022

Houston, Texas, US

11-50 employees