Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer I

Department:
Mechanical Engineering

Location:

Groton, CT (In-Person, Full-Time)

Reports To:

Mechanical Engineering Manager

As a Mechanical Engineer I at Thayer Mahan you will support the design, analysis, documentation, and testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems, including moored monitoring systems, towed arrays, subsea structures, and surface‑deployed equipment. This role is ideal for an early‑career engineer who is eager to learn, work hands‑on, and contribute to building high‑reliability maritime systems. A Mechanical Engineer I will work under the guidance of senior engineers and collaborate with cross‑functional teams in electrical engineering, software, operations, and manufacturing to help bring designs from concept to deployment.

• Assist in developing 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings using Autodesk Inventor.
• Support mechanical design tasks such as structural design, enclosures, assemblies, mechanisms, and component integration.
• Perform basic engineering calculations for strength, materials, tolerances, and load cases.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and incorporate feedback from senior engineers.

• Support prototype fabrication, test fixture creation, and hands‑on mechanical assembly.
• Assist in preparing bills of materials, part lists, and assembly documentation.
• Work closely with machinists, fabricators, and external vendors to support manufacturing.

• Help plan and execute mechanical testing, including bench tests, environmental tests, fit‑checks, and integration tests.
• Document test results, observations, and recommendations for design improvements.
• Support troubleshooting of mechanical issues during lab testing or field operations.

• Assist with system deployments on vessels, USVs, or dockside operations.
• Provide technical support during integration, installation, and retrieval of equipment.

• Maintain clean, organized CAD models and drawing packages using established naming conventions.
• Follow revision control processes using Autodesk Vault or similar PDM tools.
• Create clear documentation including test reports, assembly instructions, and engineering notes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with CAD software (Autodesk Inventor preferred; Solid Works acceptable).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply foundational GD&T concepts.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively on cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to work hands‑on with tools, hardware, and prototypes.
• Desire to learn, take direction, and grow into increasingly independent responsibilities.

• Experience with marine, robotics, aerospace, or ruggedized mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with machining, 3D printing, CNC processes, or mechanical prototyping.
• Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA), fluid/structural modeling, or dynamic loading.
• Experience using PDM tools such as Autodesk Vault.
• Coursework or project experience involving sensors, enclosures, or electromechanical systems.
• Prior internships or co‑ops in mechanical engineering, R&D, or field operations environments.