Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer to bring cutting-edge mechanical and electrical systems from the lab onto autonomous service vessels. The role blends hands-on hardware integration, rapid prototyping and field support for maritime missions, splitting time between the workshop, the dock and on-water trials.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate and validate novel mechanical and electrical payloads on Autonomous Service Vessels and other maritime platforms.
• Lead rapid-prototyping projects, fabricate custom components, and iterate hardware designs in the field.
• Perform system bring-up, power, networking, sensor and compute subsystem troubleshooting.
• Conduct dockside and sea trials, install hardware packages and verify performance in operational environments.
• Provide design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback to product development teams.
• Coordinate with suppliers and fabrication shops to accelerate custom component delivery.
• Document procedures and create training material to support scalable deployment.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field (Master’s a plus).
• 3+ years experience with integrated electromechanical systems in fielded or mission-critical settings.
• Strong hands-on expertise in mechanical assembly, CNC, sheet-metal work and 3D printing.
• Proven ability to integrate power systems, cabling, connectors and perform PCB bring-up.
• Comfort working with Linux-based operating systems and networking protocols.
• Willingness to work on-site, including near or on water, and a bias for action.

Required skills

• CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX or similar).
• Electrical test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope).
• Rapid-prototyping techniques (CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing).
• Linux operating system.
• Networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, message-passing frameworks).
• PCB bring-up and power-distribution integration.