Senior Power Systems Engineer

Who We Are

We are an early-stage, maritime defense technology startup backed by top tier investors. Our team is designing and building autonomous and highly producible ships that can serve multiple missions on the open ocean.

Role Summary

We’re seeking a Senior Power Systems Mechanical Engineer to support development of next generation power plants for naval applications. The development of autonomous ships demands a step change in the reliability of ship power systems. Here at Blue Water we are working on architecting power generation and transmission systems that can survive for months untouched in a harsh maritime environment. In this role you would be responsible for system and component design, test, and validation to enable modular power generation for a range of applications from 1-50MW. This Role is highly interdisciplinary and will need to work closely with the ship design team and power electronic design team.

What You’ll Do

• Support architecture and detailed design of fluid, mechanical and electrical systems: schematics (P&IDs), component selection, routing/layout, mounting, and serviceability.
• Partner with mechanical/electrical/software teams on sensors, controls, and fault detection for fluid subsystems.
• Utilize the FMECA/FMEA process to ensure the ship systems are robust to individual failures and capable of graceful degradation
• Create and execute development development, acceptance and qualification test plans to verify the feasibility, capability and build quality of your designs
• Create and maintain 3D CAD of mechanical assemblies
• Own tight feedback loops: capture issues, propose design changes, and re-test quickly with strong documentation.
• Support producibility: BOM rationalization, supplier engagement, assembly procedures, and verification checklists.
• Working with and managing vendors to ensure on time delivery of critical hardware.

Who You Are

• Clear track record of delivering novel hardware for complex integrated systems.
• An extreme owner who wants to develop a product from cradle to grave and understand every aspect of how it operates.
• Someone who is able to think at the vehicle level about how their engineering decisions impact the broader system.
• Someone who challenges requirements and ensures you are working towards the correct requirements and goals.
• Comfortable working with physical hardware and learning hands-on (fittings, tubing, seals, harnessing, pumps/valves, instrumentation).
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermal, mechanical and electrical design and an engineering mindset that balances performance, safety, and maintainability.
• Clear, collaborative communicator who can translate field observations into actionable design improvements.
• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with high voltage/high power electronics and safety practices.
• Strong familiarity with ASME Y14.5 and corresponding drafting requirements
• Experience with qualifying mil-spec hardware for marine, aviation or space applications.
• Experience with P&IDs, pressure testing, hydraulic/pneumatic components, or thermal management systems.
• Familiarity with development programs that emphasize reliability, verification, and documentation discipline (common in aerospace/space).

What We Offer

• Incredibly high-caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co-founders.
• A fast-paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
• Opportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects American and our Democracy.
• Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 annual base salary (final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
• Startup equity options
• Generous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Blue Water Autonomy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination—are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need.