Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Saronic Technologies•San Diego, CA

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer to join our technical team. You will have a strong mechanical and electrical 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 cutting-edge mechanical and electrical 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
3+ years of experience working on integrated 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 Electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors, PCB bring-up)
Hands-on expertise in rapid prototyping and system-level debugging
Comfort working with tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), basic electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes), and field integration setups
Experience working with a Linux-based operating system
Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks
Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water
Strong sense of ownership and bias for action
You thrive in real-world environments, responsible for solving open-ended problems

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is a plus
Experience working with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms is preferred
Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms is preferred
Ability to write basic software tools (e.g., Python, shell scripts) for hardware bring-up or test automation is preferred
Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design is preferred
Experience in systems integration or test engineering is preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a multidisciplinary field engineer responsible for mechanical and electrical integration of novel systems and payloads onto our Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms
Lead rapid prototyping efforts to support field experimentation and platform evolution
Perform system bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensors, and compute subsystems
Own dockside and sea trials - prepare vessels, install new hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments
Drive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into hardware product development
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designs
Interface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom components and harnesses
Contribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturing

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office