Fluid System Development Engineer

Hardware FYI; Lexington, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Startup equity options

Generous PTO and benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Blue Water Autonomy, an early-stage maritime defense technology startup, is seeking a Fluid System Development Engineer to design, develop, and test fluid systems for reliable ship operation, including fuel, cooling, hydraulics/pneumatics, and lubrication.

You will work with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to create P&IDs, size components, run tests, and document results, taking systems from concept to qualification with a focus on safety and maintainability.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering.
• Hands-on hardware with fittings, tubing, seals, pumps/valves, instrumentation.
• Strong fundamentals in fluids/thermo and maintainability.

Responsibilities

• Support architecture and detailed design of fluid systems: schematics (P&IDs), component selection, routing/layout, mounting, and serviceability.
• Size components and lines using first principles and simple models (pressure drop, flow rates, heat transfer) and validate assumptions with test.
• Partner with mechanical/electrical/software teams on sensors, controls, and fault detection for fluid subsystems.
• Create and execute development tests: leak checks, performance characterization, endurance screening, and instrumentation plans.
• Own tight feedback loops: capture issues, propose design changes, and re-test quickly with strong documentation.
• Support producibility: BOM rationalization, supplier engagement, assembly procedures, and verification checklists.

Skills

Fluid system design

P&ID drafting

First-principles sizing

Test & qualification

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on hardware

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

P&IDs

Pressure testing

Hydraulic components

Thermal management

Job description

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 Fluid System Development Engineer to support the design, development, and test of fluid systems that enable vehicle operation and reliability (fuel, cooling, hydraulics/pneumatics, lubrication, seawater handling, and related controls—depending on platform needs). You’ll help take systems from concept through requirements, layout, prototyping, and qualification—aligned with how space and aerospace teams develop flight-critical fluid systems (pumps, valves, actuators, controls).

What You’ll Do

• Support architecture and detailed design of fluid systems: schematics (P&IDs), component selection, routing/layout, mounting, and serviceability.
• Size components and lines using first principles and simple models (pressure drop, flow rates, heat transfer) and validate assumptions with test.
• Partner with mechanical/electrical/software teams on sensors, controls, and fault detection for fluid subsystems.
• Create and execute development tests: leak checks, performance characterization, endurance screening, and instrumentation plans.
• Own tight feedback loops: capture issues, propose design changes, and re-test quickly with strong documentation.
• Support producibility: BOM rationalization, supplier engagement, assembly procedures, and verification checklists.

Who You Are

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• Comfortable working with physical hardware and learning hands-on (fittings, tubing, seals, pumps/valves, instrumentation).
• Strong fundamentals in fluids/thermo and an engineering mindset that balances performance, safety, and maintainability.
• Clear, collaborative communicator who can translate field observations into actionable design improvements.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with P&IDs, pressure testing, hydraulic/pneumatic components, or thermal management systems.
• Familiarity with development programs that emphasize reliability, verification, and documentation discipline (common in aerospace/space).

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 controlledinformation or facilities.

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.