Structures Test Engineer

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Stock options

Life and disability insurance

Free lunch benefit

Unlimited free drinks and snacks

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a passionate Structures Test Engineer to join their advanced maritime mechanical team. In this hands-on role, you will design, build, and test complex mechanical structures for autonomous surface vessels, crucial for enhancing naval operations. Your expertise will drive the development of innovative solutions that support the Department of Defense. With a focus on collaboration and rigorous testing, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment. If you're ready to make a significant impact in defense autonomy, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline required.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical structures and systems essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test stand concepts and fabrication drawings.
• Lead rigorous mechanical testing of marine components and systems.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Structural FEA

Mechanical Testing

3D CAD Software

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX/Unigraphics

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Structures Test Engineer to join our advanced maritime mechanical team supporting the development and deployment of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) for Department of Defense applications. This role involves designing, building, and testing complex mechanical structures and fluid systems that support full-scale and sub-scale vessel test campaigns in dynamic, real-world environments.

This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary engineering role that supports a wide range of structural development efforts—from component testing to full-scale system validation—critical to enabling autonomy in naval operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists tailored to maritime platforms
• Design, analyze, and validate structural systems, fluid systems, and dynamic mechanisms for ASV subsystems
• Supervise the build, integration, and commissioning of structural test setups, including mechanical fabrication and instrumentation
• Lead and execute rigorous mechanical and structural testing of marine components and systems, often in outdoor, field-based conditions
• Collaborate with naval architects, autonomy engineers, and control systems teams to ensure test fidelity and relevance to mission performance
• Maintain meticulous records of test data, design changes, and test reports to support traceability for DoD certification and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Hands-on design, analysis, and testing of mechanical structures or systems
• Professional experience with structural FEA or mechanical testing
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX/Unigraphics preferred)
• Experience with: Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Finite Element Analysis tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent), Design of large steel or aluminum weldments, High-pressure fluid system design, Mechanical assembly and fabrication techniques

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

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.