Hardware Engineer - Forward Deployed

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

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.

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

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus

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

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

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

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Occasional standing and walking within the office

Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) .

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.