Mechanical Engineer

Spot Zero; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

A marine engineering firm in Florida is looking for an Applications Engineer to bridge technical engineering and business development. This role involves system engineering, high-level customer interaction, and proposal preparation using SolidWorks. Candidates should possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with experience in HVAC design. Benefits include health insurance, profit sharing, and competitive salary based on experience, all in a dynamic marine environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in HVAC system design and load calculations.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 2D/3D modeling.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed cooling and heating load calculations.
• Engineer complete marine HVAC systems including ductwork and piping.
• Select and size reverse osmosis systems as needed.

Skills

HVAC system design

SolidWorks

Marine Engineering fundamentals

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Marine Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Company Overview: Elite Marine A/C is a premier provider of marine climate control and water purification solutions, serving the superyacht industry across South Florida and beyond. We specialize in the design, installation, and refit of advanced HVAC systems and reverse osmosis (RO) water purification equipment aboard yachts ranging from 80 to 300+ feet. Our clients include yacht owners, fleet managers, and shipyards who demand engineering excellence, meticulous craftsmanship, and turnkey project delivery.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Applications Engineer to join our sales and engineering team. This is a high-impact, client-facing role that bridges the gap between technical engineering and business development. The Applications Engineer will be responsible for evaluating vessel requirements, engineering the optimal HVAC and RO systems for each project, producing professional proposal packages using SolidWorks, and supporting the sales team through technical presentations and installation oversight. This is the ideal role for an engineer who thrives on solving complex mechanical challenges in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed cooling and heating load calculations for yachts ranging from 80’ to 300’+ to determine optimal system sizing and configuration.
• Engineer and specify complete marine HVAC systems including chillers, air handlers, ductwork, piping, pumps, and controls tailored to each vessel’s layout and operational profile.
• Size and specify reverse osmosis water purification systems, including membranes, pumps, pre-treatment, and distribution piping. (Training provided for candidates without RO experience.)
• Select and size pumps, piping systems, and electrical wiring to ensure code-compliant, efficient installations that meet marine classification standards.
• Evaluate existing onboard systems during refit projects and develop engineered upgrade or replacement solutions.
• Create detailed 2D drawings and 3D renderings in SolidWorks to visually communicate proposed system layouts, equipment placement, and routing within vessel spaces.
• Develop comprehensive, professional proposal packages that include engineering specifications, equipment schedules, renderings, and scope-of-work documentation for client review.
• Maintain an organized library of standard assemblies, equipment models, and templates to accelerate proposal turnaround.
• Conduct on-site vessel surveys at marinas and boatyards throughout South Florida to assess existing conditions, take measurements, and identify project requirements.
• Partner with the Business Development team to present technical proposals to yacht owners, captains, fleet managers, and shipyard personnel.
• Serve as the primary technical resource during the sales cycle, answering client questions regarding system design, performance, and equipment selection.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients by demonstrating deep technical expertise and a commitment to delivering the right solution.
• Provide technical oversight during installation to ensure work is executed per engineered specifications and drawings.
• Conduct quality control inspections at key project milestones and upon installation completion.
• Perform post-installation reviews to verify system performance, document as-built conditions, and identify lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with installation crews to resolve field challenges and approve design modifications as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline — or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• Demonstrated experience in HVAC system design, including cooling/heating load calculations, equipment selection, and piping/ductwork layout.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for producing 2D drawings, 3D models, and presentation-quality renderings.
• Working knowledge of pump sizing, piping design, and electrical wiring fundamentals as they relate to mechanical system installations.
• Ability to read and interpret marine vessel drawings, general arrangements, and mechanical/electrical schematics.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally throughout South Florida, with occasional domestic and international travel (up to 4 weeks per year).

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer Intern (EI/FE) certification.
• Experience with AutoCAD or other CAD platforms in addition to SolidWorks.
• Project management experience, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of subcontractors.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to board and navigate yachts, including climbing ladders, working in confined engine rooms, and accessing below-deck mechanical spaces.
• Comfortable working in outdoor marina and boatyard environments in South Florida’s climate.
• Ability to lift to 85 lbs occasionally when handling equipment samples or measurement tools.
• Split work environment: approximately 50% office/engineering and 50% field/client-facing.
• Local travel in South Florida; up to 4 weeks/year domestic and international

Pre-Employment Conditions

• Background screening
• Drug screening
• MVR screening - A valid drivers license and insurable DMV record

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Monthly profit-sharing plan - an opportunity to share in the success and growth of the company
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance (employee-only coverage)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and PTO

EEO Statement

Spot Zero is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We comply with all applicable laws and are a drug-free workplace.