Roadrunner Venture Studios
Turbo Machinery Advisor – Power Systems & Geothermal Systems - Contractor
Be an Early Applicant
The Turbo Machinery Advisor will guide turbine and expander development, mentor engineers, oversee testing, and ensure regulatory compliance while leveraging industry expertise and partnerships.
About Us:
We are an early-stage geothermal company developing next-generation systems for efficient heat extraction and power generation. Our work sits at the intersection of thermodynamics, advanced rotating machinery, and renewable energy. We are focused on advancing turbine and expander technologies that unlock more efficient, scalable geothermal electricity generation.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Turbo Machinery Advisor with deep expertise in steam turbines, expanders, ORC systems, or other rotating equipment used in geothermal or thermal power applications. This is a strategic advisory role for someone with a long track record in turbomachinery design, power systems engineering, and industry leadership.
The Advisor will work closely with the founding team, supporting system architecture, design strategy, technical decision-making, and industry positioning. This person will bring not only technical depth but also a strong understanding of the geothermal ecosystem, industrial partnerships, and what it takes to move breakthrough hardware from concept to commercial deployment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Oversight and Technical Direction
- Guide the turbine/expander development roadmap, ensuring alignment with long-term system architecture, commercial feasibility, and manufacturability.
- Provide senior-level mentorship to engineers and technical contributors, helping shape design approaches, testing priorities, and integration pathways.
- Recommend best practices in rotating machinery design, materials, thermodynamic cycle selection, and system optimization.
Thermodynamic & Mechanical Systems Guidance
- Review and refine thermodynamic cycle models, system assumptions, and performance projections.
- Advise on blade geometry choices, flow efficiency strategies, and component-to-component integration.
- Evaluate alternative configurations for durability, maintenance needs, and operational constraints in geothermal environments.
Testing, Validation & Risk Reduction
- Oversight of prototype testing methodologies, including performance validation under realistic geothermal or steam-cycle conditions.
- Support the team in defining testing protocols, instrumentation needs, and risk-mitigation plans for rotating equipment.
Regulatory, Safety & Compliance Support
- Provide guidance on safety standards, mechanical integrity requirements, and relevant codes associated with turbomachinery operation in geothermal and industrial settings.
- Advise on documentation and compliance expectations for early pilots and field deployments.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Insight
- Support evaluation of manufacturing pathways, vendor selection, and component sourcing for small-scale, high-efficiency turbine systems.
- Recommend quality assurance and reliability frameworks suitable for early production and scaling.
Documentation, Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
- Review technical documentation, including design analysis, testing summaries, and risk assessments.
- Help prepare clear technical updates for internal stakeholders, external partners, and potential investors.
Industry Networking & Strategic Partnerships
- Leverage an established network in turbomachinery, geothermal, steam-cycle power, or related fields to help secure partnerships, pilot opportunities, and early adopter relationships.
- Provide senior technical presence in discussions with research institutions, industrial partners, utilities, and potential demonstration sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (PhD or MS) or equivalent senior-level industry experience in mechanical engineering, turbomachinery, thermal sciences, or related fields.
- 15+ years working with steam turbines, expanders, ORC systems, or similar rotating equipment.
- Deep familiarity with geothermal, waste-heat recovery, or thermal-to-power systems.
- Expert understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural considerations, and rotating equipment design.
- Proven track record advising or leading engineering teams on complex mechanical systems.
- Strong industry network within turbomachinery, geothermal energy, or thermal power generation ecosystems.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues for mixed audiences.
- Ability to operate independently and deliver high-impact guidance within limited advisory hours.
Roadrunner Venture Studios is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
Top Skills
Expanders
Orc Systems
Steam Turbines
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Payments • Software
The SOX Analyst manages SOX compliance efforts, coordinates with auditors, maintains control documentation, and contributes to financial integrity.
Top Skills:
AuditboardGoogle WorkspaceMS OfficeNetSuite
Healthtech • Information Technology • Mobile • Productivity • Software • Analytics • Telehealth
The VP, Commercial Insights and Strategy will drive data-informed marketing strategies for Doximity's pharma business, enhance analytics capabilities, and support growth opportunities through AI-driven insights.
Top Skills:
Data Visualization ToolsExcelSQL
Insurance
The Associate Talent Acquisition Partner manages full-cycle recruiting, sources candidates, schedules interviews, and supports HR functions, ensuring a positive candidate experience.
Top Skills:
AIApplicant Tracking SystemGreenhouseHr Software
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
