Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed at Saronic
- Full-time.
- In Austin, TX.
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. 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 - 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) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and …