Mechanical Engineer (Forward Deployed)

Join our team as a Forward Deployed Mechanical Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in bringing our technology from the lab to the fleet. This hands-on position involves 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. The role requires a strong mechanical background, experience with integrated mechanical/electromechanical systems, and a willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement mechanical systems to support the integration of novel systems and payloads onto Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms.
• Lead rapid prototyping efforts and 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.

Requirements

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

Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms preferred

• Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water
• Comfort working with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and field integration setups
• Hands-on expertise in mechanical assembly and fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, etc.)
• Experience working with a Linux-based operating system

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

• Experience with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms preferred
• Experience designing sensor and payload mounts for ruggedized environments, including structural brackets, masts, and isolators
• Strong understanding of materials and corrosion in marine environments, including dissimilar-metal isolation, coatings, and fastener selection
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus
• Experience designing electrical enclosures and housings with thermal management and ingress protection (IP67+, sealing, venting, connector selection)
• Strong sense of ownership and bias for action; thrives solving open-ended problems in real-world environments
• Proficiency with FEA (static, modal/vibration, and shock) to validate designed parts and mounts, and the judgment to know when hand calcs are enough

Preferred

• Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design preferred