Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary

Blue Ops, the maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, develops uncrewed surface vessels for defense and national security applications.

We are seeking an Integration Engineer with 2–3 years of experience to help bring mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems together into reliable maritime platforms. You will work with engineering and operations teams to install equipment, troubleshoot interfaces, and verify system performance from initial bench testing through on-water trials. This role includes hands-on design and fabrication in a rapid prototyping environment to deliver timely, practical, and effective interface and integration solutions.

The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on engineering, approaches problems methodically, and takes ownership of assigned integration tasks while collaborating with experienced engineers on broader system challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Own the mechanical design of vessel structures, mechanisms, mounts, enclosures, and equipment packaging from concept through field-ready hardware.

- Build detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies, and maintain design intent as vessel configurations evolve.

- Create and release fabrication and assembly drawings, including dimensions and tolerances, GD&T, materials, finishes, hardware callouts, and bills of materials.

- Perform engineering analysis using hand calculations and FEA for structural loads, stress, deflection, vibration, thermal effects, weight, and center of gravity, and apply the results to design decisions.

- Select materials, fasteners, coatings, and sealing methods suited to saltwater exposure, shock, and vibration.

- Fabricate and machine parts in-house using 3D printing, CNC machining, milling, and lathe work, sheet metal, and composites to produce prototypes quickly.

- Lead mechanical installation and fit-up of hardware on vessel platforms, verifying clearances, alignment, access, and serviceability.

- Design for manufacturability, assembly, and maintainability, reducing part count, cost, and lead time.

- Integrate sensors, communications equipment, onboard computers, and supporting hardware onto vessel platforms.

- Review equipment requirements and identify structural, mounting, installation, power, and connectivity needs.

- Support assembly, inspection, and troubleshooting of wiring harnesses, low-voltage power circuits, and data connections.

- Prepare and maintain installation instructions, interface documentation, drawing revisions, and configuration records.

- Develop and execute mechanical test procedures; record results, investigate failures, and verify corrective actions.

- Support bench testing, dockside checks, sea trials, and customer demonstrations.

- Coordinate with internal teams, machine shops, and equipment suppliers on fabrication, tolerances, lead times, and technical questions .

Required Qualifications

- Bachelors degree in mechanical, electrical, systems, or a related engineering discipline.

- 2–3 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering, hardware testing, robotics, or a comparable engineering role.

- U.S. citizenship required.

- Must be able to pass a background check and obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance.

- Practical experience installing and troubleshooting electromechanical equipment.

- Working knowledge of DC power, wiring, and basic control systems.

- Ability to interpret schematics, technical drawings, and equipment documentation.

- Experience using electrical test equipment and documenting troubleshooting findings.

- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with maritime equipment, autonomous vehicles, uncrewed surface vessels, or other field-deployed systems.

- Proficiency in SolidWorks or a comparable 3D CAD package, including assemblies, drawings, and design tables or configurations.

- Experience creating fabrication and assembly drawings with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and bills of materials.

- Hands-on fabrication experience, including 3D printing, mill or lathe work, sheet metal, welding, or composites.

- Experience performing structural, thermal, vibration, or weight analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools.

- Familiarity with marine materials, corrosion protection, sealing, and hardware selection for saltwater environments.

- Experience installing and fitting mechanical hardware on vehicles, vessels, or other field platforms.

- Experience maintaining drawing revisions, configuration records, and supporting repeatable hardware builds.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

This role combines office and laboratory work with hands-on vessel integration and outdoor testing.

- Ability to manually lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

- Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces while installing, inspecting, and servicing equipment on and around vessels.

- Ability to safely board and move around boats, docks, and uneven or wet surfaces.

- Comfortable working outdoors and in marine environments, including dockside activities and on-water testing.

- Occasional travel and schedule flexibility may be required to support trials and demonstrations.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.