Mechanical Engineer I - Electrical Packaging & Structures

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.

Role Summary We’re seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support electronics packaging and structural design across our vehicle power system. You will work at the intersection of mechanical design, electrical integration, and manufacturing—helping take hardware from early layouts through detailed design, release, build, and test. The work emphasizes robust packaging for harsh environments (thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC constraints), along with practical, producible structural design.

What You’ll Do

• Design and iterate electronics packaging: structural frames, enclosures, trays, brackets, stiffeners, mounts, cable/connector access, and serviceability features.
• Partner with EE teams to define mechanical interfaces for PCBs, harnessing, connectors, and LRU-style modules; maintain ICDs and drawing packages.
• Perform first-order thermal and structural assessments (load paths, stiffness, margin checks) and support deeper analysis as needed.
• Produce detailed CAD, drawings, and release packages (BOMs, tolerances, notes, finish/corrosion requirements) and support manufacturing through build.
• Support integration: fit checks, bench bring-up, vibration/handling events, and design updates based on test findings.
• Contribute to lightweight, repeatable engineering processes: checklists, standards, and design reviews that keep us moving fast while staying rigorous.

Who You Are

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Ability to size structural components with solid first principles understanding of load path
• Comfortable in CAD and producing drawings for fabrication and assembly.
• Familiar with electronics packaging constraints (mounting, cooling, vibration/shock, grounding/EMI considerations, connector/harness strain relief).
• Practical problem solver who enjoys being close to hardware (lab, integration bay, shipboard environment).
• Clear communicator who collaborates across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing stakeholders.

Nice to Haves

• Exposure to structural analysis methods, GD&T, environmental qualification (vibe/thermal), and/or configuration control practices common in aerospace programs.
• Familiarity with materials/finishes for marine or outdoor 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: $77,000 - $100,000 annual base salary (final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
• Startup equity options
• Generous PTO, medical, dental, and free vision coverage.

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.