Mechanical Engineer II

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join our Hardware Engineering Team. Reporting to the VP of Hardware Engineering, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for the design, prototyping, and validation of electromechanical systems. We are looking for a technical problem-solver who can bridge the gap between digital design and physical hardware, moving fluidly from CAD to the machine shop to ensure our autonomous vehicles are robust and mission-ready.

THE TEAM

The Hardware Engineering Team develops and deploys Saildrone’s autonomous ocean systems. We focus on delivering reliable, scalable hardware for maritime domain awareness, operating in a high-stakes national security and defense environment. This role sits at the heart of our hardware execution, directly impacting the durability and manufacturability of our vehicles and sensor payloads.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of complex electromechanical parts, assemblies, and the specialized production tooling/weld fixtures required to build them.
• Perform hands-on assembly and fabrication tasks, including drilling, manual machining, bonding, and basic welding to iterate on designs quickly.
• Conduct engineering analyses (hand calculations, fluid systems, and thermodynamics) and execute physical validation testing to verify design integrity.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models (NX), dimensioned 2D drawings, and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) through the product lifecycle.
• Partner with Electrical Engineering to review harness designs and ensure seamless mechanical integration of sensors and circuits.
• Work directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers to resolve production blockers and improve manufacturability.
• Adhere to and contribute to Saildrone’s drafting and engineering standards to ensure high-quality, repeatable results.
• Monitor for design defects or manufacturing risks, taking proactive action to resolve issues before they impact schedule or performance.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3–6 years of professional experience in Marine, Aerospace, Automotive, or a related hardware-heavy industry.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design using NX (preferred) or similar high-end CAD packages.
• Hands-on experience with processes including welding, composite layups, CNC machining, sheet metal, and structural bonding.
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanics, electrical circuits, fluid systems, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency with basic shop tools and a willingness to be "hands-on" with hardware during the R&D and production phases.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical status, risks, and design decisions to cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to make quick, sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced R&D environment.