Nov 9, 2026

PEAK LLC is hiring a Wave Energy Research Scientist to join the team developing the FlexOWC, our flexible oscillating water column wave energy converter. The position reports directly to the CEO and combines hands-on design work with leadership of our funding proposals.

About PEAK LLC

PEAK LLC is an Iowa-based engineering company developing wave energy converters (WECs) that can compete with other renewable energy sources on cost. Our approach combines optimal control of WEC systems with new structural designs that use flexible materials to capture more power from each wave while lowering the cost of building and maintaining the device.

Our flagship project is the FlexOWC, an oscillating water column (OWC) converter that incorporates flexible structural elements in the wave-capture chamber. Compared with a conventional rigid OWC, the FlexOWC absorbs more power from a given wave and can be built at lower cost, including as part of breakwaters and other coastal structures. PEAK's research and development is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and the company works closely with university partners in ocean engineering.

The position

The Wave Energy Research Scientist is PEAK's lead technical contributor on the FlexOWC. You will own the numerical modelling, design optimization and power take-off work that moves the device from concept to tested prototype, and you will lead the writing of the proposals that fund that work.

Title: Wave Energy Research Scientist

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Focus: FlexOWC design and funding proposals

Applications to: info@peak-eng.com

Responsibilities

• Develop and run numerical models and simulations of the FlexOWC, covering the hydrodynamics of the chamber, the response of its flexible elements, the air chamber and the turbine, to predict performance and guide design decisions.

• Carry out design optimization of the FlexOWC geometry, and flexible components across the wave climates of target sites.

• Contribute to the design of the power take-off system, including turbine selection and sizing, generator matching and integration with PEAK's control strategies.

• Lead the preparation of funding proposals to federal agencies as well as to state programs and industry partners.

• Document results in technical reports, sponsor deliverables, presentations and peer-reviewed publications, and present PEAK's work at project reviews.

• Work closely with the CEO, the CTO and university collaborators, and support wave-tank and field testing campaigns as the FlexOWC design matures.

Qualifications

Candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Numerical modelling and simulation of wave energy converters.

• Design optimization of wave energy converters, including geometry, structural and control co-design.

• Power take-off design for energy converters, including air turbines, generators, hydraulic or direct-drive systems.

Required:

• PhD in ocean, mechanical, aerospace or civil engineering, physics, or a related field. Recent PhD graduates are welcome to apply.

• A record of independent technical work in at least one of the areas above, shown through publications, reports or delivered projects.

• Clear technical writing and the ability to assemble a complete proposal on a deadline.

• Comfort working independently and taking ownership in a small, fast-moving company.

Preferred:

• Experience with oscillating water column devices or bidirectional air turbines such as Wells or impulse turbines.

• Experience with flexible or membrane structures and fluid-structure interaction.

• Experience planning or running wave-tank or field tests.

How to apply

Send a cover letter and CV to info@peak-eng.com with "Wave Energy Research Scientist" in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

PEAK LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.