Mechanical Engineer (Forward Deployed)
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Description
- 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
- 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
- Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Occasional standing and walking within the office
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
- 3+ years of experience working on integrated mechanical/electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments
- Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design preferred
- 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