Fluid System Development Engineer

Blue Water Autonomy; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, and free vision coverage

Startup equity options

Job summary

A maritime defense technology startup is seeking an Entry-Level Fluid System Development Engineer in Lexington, MA. You will support the design and testing of fluid systems crucial for vehicle operation and reliability. Ideal candidates will hold a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and have strong fundamentals in fluid systems. This role offers a competitive salary of $77,000 - $100,000 and generous benefits, including startup equity options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of P&IDs, pressure testing, hydraulic/pneumatic components.
• Experience in thermal management systems.
• Familiarity with development programs emphasizing reliability and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support architecture and detailed design of fluid systems.
• Size components and lines using pressure drop and flow rates.
• Partner with teams on sensors, controls, and fault detection.
• Execute development tests and maintain documentation.
• Support producibility through BOM rationalization.

Skills

Comfortable working with physical hardware

Strong fundamentals in fluids/thermo

Collaborative communicator

Education

BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline

Job description

Overview

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 an Entry-Level / Early Career 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. By applying, you confirm that you are a U.S.Personand can provide acceptable documentation verifying your status if selected.

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.