Job Overview

We are seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Mechanical Engineer to join our technical team. You will have a strong mechanical background and be responsible for bringing our technology from the lab to the fleet.

This is not a traditional engineering role. You will be responsible for deploying our systems into the real world, directly supporting maritime missions. You will integrate mechanical payloads, debug complex system-level problems, and iterate hardware designs in the field to ensure success. This is a highly hands-on and field-oriented role with time split between the lab, fabrication spaces, and the waterfront.

Responsibilities

• Design systems to support mechanical integration of novel systems and payloads onto our Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms

• Lead rapid prototyping efforts (mechanical) to support field experimentation and platform evolution

• Perform mechanical bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of structural, sensor-mount, and payload subsystems

• Own dockside and sea trials — prepare vessels, install new mechanical hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments

• Drive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into mechanical product development

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designs

• Interface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom mechanical components

• Contribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus

• 3+ years of experience working on integrated mechanical/electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments

• Hands-on expertise in mechanical assembly and fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, etc.)

• Hands-on expertise in rapid prototyping and system-level debugging

• Proficiency with FEA (static, modal/vibration, and shock) to validate designed parts and mounts, and the judgment to know when hand calcs are enough

• Experience designing electrical enclosures and housings with thermal management and ingress protection (IP67+, sealing, venting, connector selection)

• Strong understanding of materials and corrosion in marine environments, including dissimilar-metal isolation, coatings, and fastener selection

• Experience designing sensor and payload mounts for ruggedized environments, including structural brackets, masts, and isolators

• Comfort working with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and field integration setups

• Experience working with a Linux-based operating system

• Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water

• Strong sense of ownership and bias for action; thrives solving open-ended problems in real-world environments

• Experience with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms preferred

• Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms preferred

• Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design preferred

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match