Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

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 OverviewWe 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 platformsLead rapid prototyping efforts to support field experimentation and platform evolutionPerform system bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensors, and compute subsystemsOwn dockside and sea trials - prepare vessels, install new hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environmentsDrive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into hardware product developmentWork closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designsInterface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom components and harnessesContribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturingQualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus3+ years of experience working on integrated electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environmentsHands-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 debuggingComfort working with tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), basic electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes), and field integration setupsExperience working with a Linux-based operating systemUnderstanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworksWillingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the waterStrong sense of ownership and bias for actionYou thrive in real-world environments, responsible for solving open-ended problemsExperience working with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms is preferredFamiliarity with maritime environments or naval platforms is preferredAbility to write basic software tools (e.g., Python, shell scripts) for hardware bring-up or test automation is preferredExposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design is preferredExperience in systems integration or test engineering is preferredBenefits Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonusesRetirement Plan: 401(k) planStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s successLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverageAdditional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Physical DemandsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerOccasional standing and walking within the officeManual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipmentVisual acuity to read screens, documents, and reportsOccasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office suppliesLifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California EmployeesIf 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