Mechanical Engineer

Strativ Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Strativ Group is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to own propulsion systems design and the integration of mechanical hardware for next-generation autonomous vessels. You will work end-to-end from early design through build, integration, testing and deployment.

The role requires hands-on engineering and the ability to coordinate with electrical, controls, software, manufacturing and naval architecture teams in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar.
• Experience with propulsion or vessel mechanical systems.
• Strong CAD design experience.
• Experience taking complex hardware through design, manufacturing, integration and test.
• Understanding of fuel, cooling, hydraulics and piping systems.
• Hands-on engineering mindset for fast-moving development.

Responsibilities

• Design and integration of marine propulsion systems and mechanical hardware.
• Work with engines/motors, drivetrains, gearboxes, shafts, thrusters and/or waterjets.
• Support fuel, cooling, hydraulic and fluid systems; pumps and piping.
• CAD modelling and mechanical drawings with design documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations, trade studies and design reviews.
• Prototype development and hands-on hardware integration.
• Qualification, commissioning, testing and field deployment.
• Collaborate across electrical, controls, software, manufacturing and naval architecture teams.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD modelling

Propulsion systems

Hands-on mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical/Marine/Aerospace Eng

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Compensation: $120,000–$230,000+ base + equity, dependent on experience

We’re supporting a rapidly growing defense technology company developing next-generation autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. and allied forces.

They’re looking for Mechanical Engineers with experience across marine propulsion, vessel mechanical systems and complex hardware integration. This is a hands-on engineering position with ownership from early-stage design through build, integration, testing and deployment.

The Role

You’ll work across the mechanical systems that enable high-performance autonomous vessels, including:

• Design and integration of marine propulsion systems and associated mechanical hardware
• Engines/motors, drivetrains, gearboxes, shafts, thrusters and/or waterjets
• Supporting fuel, cooling, hydraulic and fluid systems
• Pumps, valves, piping, fittings and mechanical component selection
• CAD modelling, mechanical drawings and design documentation
• Engineering calculations, trade studies and design reviews
• Prototype development and hands-on hardware integration
• Qualification, commissioning, troubleshooting and testing
• Working cross-functionally with electrical, controls, software, manufacturing and naval architecture teams
• Supporting designs through prototype → build → test → field deployment

What We’re Looking For

You’ll ideally have:

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar
• Professional experience with propulsion or vehicle/vessel mechanical systems
• Strong mechanical design and CAD experience
• Experience taking complex hardware through design, manufacturing, integration and test
• Understanding of fluid/mechanical systems such as fuel, cooling, hydraulics, pumps, valves and piping
• A hands-on engineering mindset and ability to work in a fast-moving development environment

Relevant backgrounds could include marine, maritime, aerospace propulsion, defense, autonomous vehicles, UAVs, automotive/EV powertrain, turbomachinery or other high-performance propulsion systems.

Experience within shipbuilding, US Navy/USCG programs, autonomous vessels or high-performance marine craft is particularly relevant.

This is an opportunity to work on advanced maritime technology with significant technical ownership and the chance to see your hardware move rapidly from the drawing board into real-world operation.