Job Opening Startup EV company needs prototype gurus!

[rEVolution]

Our company is working on an ultra light pedal assist electric dirt bike prototype. We've spent the last year gathering parts and building a solar powered mobile shop to develop the design in and it's time to bring on some help. We've made it to the point where the design is being taken seriously enough to warrant setting up a headquarters and larger shop, and hiring some help to speed up the prototype parts production/refinement process.

At first, just to get this first prototype on the ground, the positions will be temporary, possibly terminating when the prototype or assigned tasks are completed. Once we have a rolling prototype on the ground, we'll be deciding how/where to produce it and at that point considering permanent employees for further development.

These positions would be prefect for students due to the temporary nature and summer schedule but again, we're planning on building millions of these things so the opportunity for something more stable is there if things go well.

The first position we need to fill is a 3CAD/design helper. I have the basic geometry worked out for everything and need someone proficient with Solidworks to help flesh out the drawings, put them in assemblies, check for interference, do FEA, etc. Ideally, this person would have some CNC experience as well, being able to transfer their drawings into g-code, set up the machine, and cut the part.

The second thing we need some help with is electronic circuit design. I have a few simple ideas about traction control, battery safety, charging convenience that need developed. These are circuits that should be easy to figure out for someone that is up on the current tech and comfortable with circuit design and light programming. Ideally, this person should have some electric motor experience and knowledge as well as part of their job would be helping with motor tuning.

So, we need to fill these positions ASAP and rather than stamping some arbitrary salary number on it, I thought we'd post up here and let interested parties let me know what they can do, when they're available, and how much they'd need to come help for 2-3 months. Since these are temporary positions and our goal is having something on the ground asap, we are prepared to pay the right people very well. :wink:

Location: Mancos, CO- possibly moving ops soon to the Cottowwood, AZ area

Housing/Food: What are your needs? If you're the right person, we'll make it work.

Transportation: Can be arranged if necessary.

Scheduling: We'd like people excited about and committed to getting it done ASAP. Not too picky about actual hours/days, etc. All negotiable!

Salary: DOE Just let me know what you can do and what you need and we'll go from there!

Starts: As soon as the attorneys get some documents together and we find the right people.

We are very passionate about creating this prototype and tend to have pretty strong thoughts about some stuff that's going on in our world today and will need potential employees think similarly for things to go smoothly. Concepts like respect, personal responsibility, work ethic, sustainability, and creativity are all very important to us and will be applied in all operations. Also, this design has been in development for quite a while now so we'd like the helpers we hire at this stage to focus specifically on tasks and ideas that are assigned to them. Once we have the prototype and move on to the next stage, product development will go forward with development ideas from everyone on the team being considered. At this stage, we just need some help speeding up the process of bringing this prototype into reality.

Anxiously awaiting your responses!

[rEVolution]

Please, feel free to post any questions you may have so I can answer them here for others to see.

Interested parties should PM me through the forum and we can go from there as far as exchanging further contact info.

Thanks
Danny

[rEVolution]

Wow, this would be something that I would have jumped all over a few years ago. Are there just not many qualified people left in the US?

I know I'm looking for a needle in a haystack here but I've been as asked to turn in a financial request for the next stage by the end of the week. Since I might not find someone in that time period, I was wondering if there were any guys out there that are qualified but too busy that could give me an idea how much they would want to come help for a couple of months if they could. This will give me a ballpark so I can get the funding coming in while looking for the right people.

I have to repeat, this can't be a telecommuting thing. I spend too much time on the computer already and need hands in the shop.

One more thing. So far, I have only received responses from people that don't live in the US. I need to check with our attorneys to see if I can even bring someone in from outside the country and the logistics and expenses of that will probably be too much.

Also, I've received a few responses stating that I'd need to create a 9-5 permanent situation to draw any good help. My response to that is ....fine.....I can create that kind of position. It would have to pay $12/hr......or the right person could come in for a couple of months and make $15-20K....with the possibility of a permanent position once we have a rolling prototype.

Prototype gurus! Where are you?

[Caprirs]

I'll offer a little insight perhaps. Or you can tell me to take a hike. Either way, it sounds like a neat project.

You have specifically asked for "gurus". Yet, you also mention the position would be ideal for a student. There is a bit of a contradiction in the two. Additionally, Mancos, CO is not conveniently located to much in the summer. If it were winter, you'd get every skier drooling about living that close to Purgatory.

Essentially, the prospective positions are contract work. A decent programmer will likely bill at a minimum of $40/hr if they are liable for their own taxes, health insurance, etc. If such a person has to relocate, the added costs of housing must be included along with paying income taxes to multiple states (assuming Colorado isn't their permanent residence). And they'll probably still be liable for the rent/mortgage on their current housing since the job is temporary.

I suspect that anyone experienced with contract work will want an even higher hourly rate.

[TOTALLYRC]

Here are the reasons that I can't.
Wrong side of the country.
Would have to give up my current job.
No real long term prospects.

Sounds like a great opportunity for the right person who isn't working at the moment.

Mike

[rEVolution]

Originally Posted by Caprirs You have specifically asked for "gurus". Yet, you also mention the position would be ideal for a student. There is a bit of a contradiction in the two. Additionally, Mancos, CO is not conveniently located to much in the summer. If it were winter, you'd get every skier drooling about living that close to Purgatory. I suspect that anyone experienced with contract work will want an even higher hourly rate.

Yeah, that can be confusing. Some students are gurus, just jumping through the hoops at school for the paperwork. I only have about 6 months of CAD/CAM experience but I can make drawings and make parts and I'd hire another one of me in a second if I could. Would I be able to pay that person $75/hr??? I don't think so but $30-40/hr plus a per diem for housing/food would be possible.

About the location, I worked at Purg in the Cat house as a mechanic. Purg is no reason to go anywhere. Telluride is nice though.

It's actually really nice here in the summer. Epic mountain biking, fishing, hiking, ancient ruins, Moab is nearby. Someday I'd like to have a summer place here and somewhere nicer to go for the winter! It's actually pretty much the opposite of your perception as far as that goes.

I appreciate your input as far as wages go. It's along the lines of what I was thinking for sure. Now to find some qualified applicants that aren't in Pakistan or Sri-lanka....not that I have anything against Pakistan or Sri-Lanka, that's just a loooong way to come for a temp job!

[Caprirs]

Originally Posted by rEVolution It's actually really nice here in the summer. Epic mountain biking, fishing, hiking, ancient ruins, Moab is nearby. Someday I'd like to have a summer place here and somewhere nicer to go for the winter! It's actually pretty much the opposite of your perception as far as that goes.

It's gorgeous there in the summer. However, it's gorgeous in a lot of places in the summer. Where you're located, the winter can be wonderful too, especially compared to locations where there's nothing to do in the winter.

The per diem is an interesting idea. I think most contract folks will have that included in their rate though and may not be necessary. A friend of mine bills his time at $80/hr and most jobs are out of state. He does not add to that rate for housing expenses.

[rEVolution]

I had a new thought today. Maybe I could get a highly qualified person or two to come out for a week or so to give me some hands on training? I've found quite a few people that are semi skilled that I could train into positions after that.

Are there any 3D/CNC gurus out there that are available for a week sometime soon and want to help a fast learner get up to speed?

Just exploring options.

[Dualkit]

I think you are looking for the wrong age group for your project. I would look for someone recently retired or semi-retired. Believe it or not there are plenty of 65 year old guys proficient at what you need. You might find one willing to pack up his motorhome and pay you a visit.

[rEVolution]

Until SERIOUS investors are found or someone wants to work on contingency, this position is closed. Thanks

[Chrliev]

Just an FYI.

Have you seen what your competition is up to...?

Cycle News - November 29, 2011

If you are interested check out the link for KTM's version of what you are trying to do.

Good Luck with your project.

[rEVolution]

If it had pedals, on the fly adjustable frame geo, was 75 lbs lighter and was twice as fast and totally silent.....they might be on to something.....until then, that thing's just another over priced, overweight, under-performing toy that's using tech from 15 years ago.

When I have the chance to get my bike out there the way I want it, most people are going to think it's alien technology.

The videos of the electric drive test bike I've posted on youtube do not even give a glimpse into the overall idea. The bike was assembled to test motors, batteries and controllers and is pretty amazing on it's own. The powertrain needs to be in the ultimate chassis to complete the project though. It's closer than ever, lack of help or not.

wittman40mphoffroadflyby.AVI - YouTube

wittman40mphoffroadflyby.AVI - YouTube