Perception Hardware Engineer

Saronic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Time Off

Parental Leave

401(k) Plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Free lunch and snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Perception Hardware Engineer to join our team integrating sensing and perception systems for unmanned surface vessels. You will work hands-on across radar, camera, LiDAR, GPS and other sensors to build robust maritime situational awareness into a cohesive system.

The role emphasizes collaboration with mechanical, optical, electrical, software and manufacturing teams, designing, validating, and calibrating perception hardware, and supporting production through

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years designing complex mechanical and electrical systems.
• Strong engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on design, analysis, and testing of sensors and structures.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX/Unigraphics preferred).
• Experience with engineering trade studies, tolerance stack up analysis, hand calculations, finite element analysis and testing of integrated systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

3D CAD

Hands-on design

Sensors & structures testing

Trade studies

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Robotics / Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX/Unigraphics

Finite Element Analysis

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state‑of‑the‑art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Perception Hardware Engineer 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

  • 2+ years designing complex mechanical and electrical systems

  • Strong engineering fundamentals

  • Hands‑on design, analysis, and testing of sensors and structures

  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX/Unigraphics preferred)

  • Experience with engineering trade studies, tolerance stack up analysis, hand calculations, finite element analysis and testing of integrated systems

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Preferred

  • Experience with maritime autonomy challenges such as dynamic environments, variable lighting, and low‑contrast targets.

  • Proven success developing, integrating, and validating optical & sensor systems on maritime or aerospace platforms

  • Experience with design and testing for shock and vibration environments

  • Prior experience working on DoD programs or unmanned maritime systems.

  • A professional engineering license or similar professional certification

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care

• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

• Competitive Salary: Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan

• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage

• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Occasional standing and walking within the office.

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require ‘U.S. Person’ status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a ‘U.S. Person’: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.