Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed

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.

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

• 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 (Solid Works, 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

• 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…