Mechanical Engineer (Electrical Systems)

We are an early-stage, maritime defense technology startup backed by top tier investors. Our team is designing and building autonomous and highly producible ships that can serve multiple missions on the open ocean. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and validate the core hardware systems that enable highly reliable autonomy systems at sea. This position focuses on supporting electrical and motor packaging but can also include other areas related to supporting the design and development of Blue Water vessels. Responsibilities Develop system- and component-level requirements to ensure performance, safety, and reliability in harsh environments. Design, analyze, and test mechanical and electrical systems for autonomous maritime platforms. Build prototypes and support rapid iteration cycles from clean-sheet design through testing and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion, mechanisms, and hardware systems. Conduct trade studies, tolerance analyses, and risk assessments to guide design decisions. Manage suppliers and fabrication partners to deliver components on time and on spec. Support system-level validation, field integration, and troubleshooting. Contribute to process improvements that enable faster development and more reliable hardware. Qualifications Have 3–7 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or other complex hardware systems. Bring expertise in mechanical design, electronic/electrical packaging, and thermal/dynamic environments . Experience modeling wire routing and designing systems to support large wire runs. Comfortable working hands-on with prototypes, test setups, and operational hardware. Excel at collaborating across engineering disciplines and leading integration efforts. Communicate clearly, balance speed with rigor, and take ownership from concept through delivery. Energized by solving practical engineering challenges in fast-moving, mission-driven environments. What We Offer Incredibly high-caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co-founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin. A fast-paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth. Opportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects American and our Democracy. Salary Range: $90,000-$150,000 annual base salary Startup equity options Generous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities. By applying, you confirm that you are a U.S. Person and can provide acceptable documentation verifying your status if selected. Blue Water Autonomy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination—are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need.