Mechanical Engineer (Perception Hardware)

Saronic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Saronic seeks a Mechanical Engineer - Perception Hardware to lead integration of perception sensors (radar, camera, LiDAR, GPS) for autonomous unmanned surface vessels. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to build a reliable perception system for challenging maritime environments and ensure design reviews and validation plans are executed.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience in sensors, mechanical-electrical integration, and a track record of testing in dynamic, low-contrast

Qualifications

• Hands-on design, analysis, and testing of sensors and structures.
• Experience with engineering trade studies and tolerance analyses.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis and testing of integrated systems.
• Experience wiring, harnessing, and integrating complex mechanical/electrical subsystems.
• Experience with DoD programs or unmanned maritime systems is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and develop perception components (radar, camera, LiDAR, GPS) for autonomy.
• Design and validate perception hardware for unmanned surface vessels.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Create design reviews and validation plans for perception hardware.
• Develop calibration fixtures and tooling for high-rate production.
• Maintain vendor relationships for sensors and subsystems.
• Provide manufacturing support for perception hardware issues.

Skills

Sensor integration

Strong engineering fundamentals

Test & validation

3D CAD (Siemens NX)

Optical & sensor systems

Vibration & shock design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

• We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer - Perception Hardware to join a team that will integrate and develop the sensing and perception systems that power autonomy on our unmanned surface vessels
• In this role, you will integrate and develop perception components such as radar, camera, LiDAR, GPS, and other sensors to build robust situational awareness in maritime environments into a cohesive, high performing system
• This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an engineer who thrives on solving real-world problems in complex, noisy domains and wants to shape the future of naval autonomy
• Serves as the technical expert on perception hardware and their integration on Saronic’s products
• Collaborates in a multi-disciplinary team of expert engineers that specialize in perception system design, analysis, build and test
• Works closely with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineering teams to define requirements and plans for validation methods for Saronic’s perception system
• Ensures technical requirements are satisfied and product deadlines are met
• Creates and presents detailed design reviews of perception hardware development and integration
• Develops and implements analysis and testing methods for new products and their subcomponents
• Grows and maintain vendor relationships for various perception sensors
• Designs perception calibration fixtures and tooling to aid high rate production
• Provides manufacturing support for trouble shooting and resolving perception hardware issues

Strong engineering fundamentalsHands-on design, analysis, and testing of sensors and structuresAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearanceBachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field2+ years designing complex mechanical and electrical systemsExperience with engineering trade studies, tolerance stack up analysis, hand calculations, finite element analysis and testing of integrated systemsProficiency with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX/Unigraphics preferred)Experience with maritime autonomy challenges such as dynamic environments, variable lighting, and low-contrast targetsProven success developing, integrating, and validating optical & sensor systems on maritime or aerospace platformsExperience with design and testing for shock and vibration environmentsPrior experience working on DoD programs or unmanned maritime systemsA professional engineering license or similar professional certification