Mechanical Engineer

About the role

You will own the mechanical architecture of maritime sensor systems from initial concept through in-water validation. You will apply analysis and intuition to solve structural and functional challenges in demanding submerged environments. You will mentor more junior engineers and technicians, guiding their technical growth and ensuring design quality. You will collaborate directly with leadership and cross-functional peers to shape projects that impact warfighter capabilities and mission success. You will contribute to a culture where innovation meets mission-critical work within a flat, empowering organization. You will design, document, and test systems that bridge advanced hardware with real-world maritime operations. Your work will directly support the U.S. Navy by enabling sonobuoy and SONAR data collection that enhances warfighter capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define mechanical architectures and system-level requirements for unmanned maritime sensor platforms under development.

Design structural and functional systems optimized for operational maritime use, with emphasis on survival in submerged and challenging sea states.

Produce detailed Mechanical CAD artifacts, including drawings, documentation, and maintain robust revision control for all design data.

Select appropriate manufacturing processes, specifying methods suitable for distributed and low-tech production while avoiding unnecessary precision machining.

Design parts for additive manufacturing, optimizing geometry for AM processes and establishing testing regimens to validate printed components.

Build, test, and troubleshoot early prototypes, taking hands-on responsibility for the first several iterations of your designs in lab and field settings.

Plan and participate in operational testing, including bench testing, field trials, and at-sea deployments during early prototype phases.

Develop handoff documentation, procedures, and artifacts that enable smooth transition of designs to on-site technicians for assembly and manufacturing.

Elicit and incorporate feedback from assembly and field technicians throughout the design cycle to improve performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness.

Support operational testing and data collection programs, ensuring that prototypes meet requirements when deployed on small boats and in real maritime conditions.

Maintain clear and suitable written and verbal communication to coordinate effectively within a high-performing, mission-focused development team.

Ensure designs comply with requirements and standards, balancing innovation with practical manufacturability and field reliability.

Contribute to continuous improvement by analyzing test results, identifying failure modes, and proposing design refinements.

Act as a second senior mechanical engineer within a small team, providing technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced staff.

Demonstrate ownership of end-to-end mechanical design cycles, from initial concept sketches through detailed design verification and validation at sea.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture as a foundational credential for this role.

Bring a minimum of 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience, or a minimum of 10 years of highly relevant experience with at least five years in a design role.

Possess prior maritime design experience that demonstrates understanding of naval platforms and operational constraints.

Be thoroughly familiar with standard mechanical engineering tools and processes, with the ability to quickly adopt Solidworks if not already experienced.

Have extensive hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, and refinement of designs both in laboratory and field environments.

Exhibit suitable written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively within a high-performing, fast-paced development team.

Be able to physically participate in at-sea deployment, test, and recovery operations, including lifting, carrying, and maneuvering on small boats at sea.

Possess the ability to communicate verbally and carry out fine manipulations while on vessels and in challenging maritime conditions.

Be willing to receive a Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance at no personal expense, understanding that clearance is required for continued employment.

Acknowledge that failure to obtain or maintain the required security clearance will be grounds for termination of employment.

Understand that background investigations for clearance involve detailed review, and certain personal history may disqualify candidates as defined by U.S. government standards.

Nice to have

Prior experience with small boats and at-sea operations is strongly desired for this position.

Previous experience with Unmanned Systems is desired but not required for the role.

Practical notes

This role is full-time and based in Falmouth, Massachusetts, requiring on-site presence at the primary work location.

Candidates must be able to complete security clearance requirements as part of the hiring process.