Job Overview

We are seeking a talented and motivated Ship Building Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience in traditional ship building and advanced autonomous technologies; driving impact in defense innovation. As a Build Engineer, you’ll need interface remotely with our design engineering teams in Austin, while also owning the hands-on oversight of fabrication, integration, and issue resolution at the shipyard.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, analysis, and construction of 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 in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical 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 structure, 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

Benefits

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

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

• Saronic pays 100% 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

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.