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Build Engineer

Austin, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Build Engineer to lead the build and integration effort for our maritime Autonomous Service Vessels. This highly cross functional role bridges design engineering and production teams setting up our products for success as we move from development to full rate production. Your focus will be on building high-quality, reliable vessels at scale by designing efficient production methods, integrating automation, and ensuring seamless assembly of structures, electronics, and vessel systems.


Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the design, development, analysis, and construction of Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs)

  • Collaborate with other engineers to perform CAD modeling, structural/mechanical/electrical design, and weight management for vessel optimization

  • Operate as liaison between engineering, drafting, and production to resolve challenges that arise during design and construction

  • Identify and resolve non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and drive resolution via IRBs (Issue Review Boards) and rework plans

  • Lead and coordinate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)—ensure traceability, communication, implementation, and verification

  • Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs

  • Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions for new and existing vessel concepts

  • Support documentation, technical writing, and preparation of reports for internal use, regulatory bodies, and client presentations

  • Manage CAD models to document changes made during ship construction

  • Support sea-trials and at-sea testing of ASVs as needed

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

  • Familiarity with maritime industry standards including ABS and coast guard regulations

  • Strong fundamentals in core engineering principles, including structural, mechanical, and electrical systems

  • Experience working in a shipyard or onboard ships

  • Strong knowledge with 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NX) 

  • Deep familiarity with interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and fabrication tolerances

  • Strong communication skills across engineers, technicians, quality teams, and leadership

  • Comfortable working in an industrial shipyard environment

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)

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 100% of the premium under the basic plan 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 with company match

  • 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

  • Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

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

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

This role 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.

About Saronic

Saronic

Saronic is one of the fastest-growing defense technology companies focused on autonomous maritime systems for the U.S. military. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company builds intelligent Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) designed to improve maritime surveillance, operational reach, and force protection in contested environments. Saronic is helping modernize naval operations through AI-powered unmanned vessels capable of supporting missions ranging from reconnaissance and logistics to distributed maritime operations.

For job seekers, Saronic offers opportunities to work on some of the most advanced technologies in maritime defense, including autonomy, robotics, AI, naval architecture, software engineering, manufacturing, and mission operations. The company hires across mechanical engineering, embedded systems, autonomy software, marine design, production, and field testing—making it especially attractive to engineers, veterans, maritime professionals, and builders who want hands-on ownership of mission-critical systems.

Unlike traditional shipbuilders or legacy defense contractors, Saronic operates with a startup-style engineering culture centered around speed, rapid prototyping, and real-world deployment. Employees work closely across hardware, software, and field operations to design, test, and scale autonomous vessels faster than traditional defense timelines, giving team members direct exposure to high-impact products supporting national security missions.

As the U.S. military increases investment in autonomous naval systems and maritime modernization, Saronic continues to grow rapidly through major funding rounds, Navy contracts, and manufacturing expansion. For professionals seeking a high-growth defense company at the intersection of AI, robotics, and naval technology, Saronic is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting employers in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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