--- title: 'Mechanical Build Engineer at Saronic Technologies' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-build-engineer-saronic-technologies-franklin-dh92q26hjc83' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-24' --- # Mechanical Build Engineer at Saronic Technologies - **Company:** [Saronic Technologies](https://feeny.ai/companies/saronic-technologies) - **Location:** Franklin, LA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-07-09 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-24 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic/a64df354-522c-4b9b-8b38-0a00fca519bd ## Job description Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Job Overview We are seeking a talented and motivated Mechanical Build Engineer to support the design, integration, and commissioning of main propulsion systems and associated machinery for autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience in marine propulsion machinery, shafting systems, fuel systems, generator sets, seawater systems, and advanced autonomous technologies, driving impact in defense innovation. As a Mechanical Build Engineer, you'll interface remotely with our design engineering teams in Austin while owning the hands-on oversight of main engine installation, shaft alignment, propulsion integration, fuel systems, gensets, cooling systems, and issue resolution at the shipyard. ## Responsibilities - Assist in the design, analysis, and integration of main propulsion systems, fuel systems, seawater cooling systems, and generator sets including main engines, transmissions, shafting, propellers, waterjets, steering systems, fuel supply/return, day tanks, genset packages, seawater intakes, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems - Collaborate with engineering teams to perform CAD modeling, analysis, and system optimization - Operate as liaison between engineering, drafting, and production teams to resolve technical challenges during 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 provide technical input on system architecture and performance - Support documentation including technical drawings, specifications, test procedures, and as-built records for internal use, regulatory bodies, and client presentations - Manage CAD models to document as-built changes made during ship construction - Oversee installation, alignment, and commissioning of main engines, shafting systems, stern tubes, propellers, rudders, steering gear, and generator sets - Lead precision shaft alignment procedures using laser alignment equipment and ensure compliance with manufacturer and classification society tolerances - Perform functional testing and commissioning including engine run-ups, genset load testing, fuel system pressure tests, cooling system verification, and alignment checks ## Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a related field - Familiarity with maritime industry standards including ABS machinery rules, ABYC fuel system standards, engine manufacturer specifications, and US Coast Guard engineering regulations - Strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering principles including propulsion systems, shaft alignment, fuel systems, cooling systems, generator sets, and marine machinery - Experience working in a shipyard, aboard ships, or with marine propulsion systems, fuel systems, gensets, and seawater cooling systems - Strong knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino, NX) - Experience with shaft alignment procedures, laser alignment equipment, and propulsion system installation - Deep familiarity with interpreting P&IDs, machinery arrangement plans, fuel system diagrams, cooling system schematics, and shaft alignment specifications - Understanding of diesel and alternative propulsion systems, fuel delivery and filtration, seawater cooling systems, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems - Knowledge of generator set sizing, prime and standby power calculations, paralleling, load sharing, and genset control systems - Experience with fuel system design including tank sizing, piping sizing, pressure calculations, and fuel filtration/polishing requirements - Understanding of seawater system design including intake sizing, strainer selection, corrosion protection, and marine growth prevention - Strong communication skills across engineers, mechanics, machinists, pipefitters, technicians, quality teams, and leadership - Comfortable working in an industrial shipyard environment with hands-on involvement in machinery installation, fuel systems, and commissioning 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](https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf) If this role is based in the United States, it 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 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. 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. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. ## About Saronic Technologies ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Saronic Technologies builds autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that combine hardware, software, and artificial intelligence to deliver scalable maritime security and domain awareness for naval forces. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series D, total funding $2.6B) - **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, United States - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Dino Mavrookas (CEO), Vibhav Altekar (CTO), Doug Lambert (COO), Rob Lehman (CCO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – autonomous maritime systems - **Target customers**: U.S. and allied naval forces, government defense agencies (B2G) - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Redefine maritime superiority” by providing the most advanced and capable autonomous vessels to address emerging threats and revolutionize naval warfare. ## Products & Services - **Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)**: A family of unmanned vessels (including models like *Mirage*, *Cipher*, and the 150‑foot *Marauder*) designed for launch from small craft, fleet assets, or beachheads. Capabilities include adaptive path planning, passive sensor tracking, resilient multi‑channel communications, and diverse payload integration. - **Echelon Platform**: A unified software suite for mission planning, simulation, and command‑and‑control of autonomous surface vessels. - **Capabilities Suite**: Integrated hardware/software stack covering launch, maneuver, perceive, communicate, execute, enable, and recover. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (latest Series D at $1.8B implies a valuation well into the billions) - **Key Metric**: Total funding $2.6B (Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series D); annual revenue reported at $9.5M - **Notable Investors/Partners**: 8VC (Seed lead), Caffeinated Capital (Series A lead), Andreessen Horowitz (Series B lead), Kleiner Perkins (Series D lead). Strategic acquisition of Gulf Craft (April 2025) to accelerate shipbuilding. - **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 785 employees (+218.7% YoY), 296 active job postings, awarded a $392M Navy contract, international offices in Australia, United Kingdom, and Japan. ## Competitive Advantages - **Founder experience**: Co‑founder/CEO Dino Mavrookas is a former Navy SEAL with eight combat tours; the leadership team includes veterans and technologists who understand military needs firsthand. - **Proven technology**: Autonomous vessels already deployed in contested environments, with a $392M Navy contract validating the platform. - **Vertical integration**: In‑house manufacturing and software development, plus the acquisition of Gulf Craft for scaled shipbuilding. - **Rapid scaling**: Massive funding and headcount growth signal strong investor and customer confidence. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling production of ASVs from prototype to full manufacturing lines (new Head of Manufacturing hired). - Expanding vessel lineup with larger platforms (150‑foot *Marauder*) and international partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific and Europe. - Deepening the software ecosystem (Echelon) for mission planning and manned‑unmanned teaming. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “United We Win” (teamwork, respect), “Trust Fuels Triumph” (transparency, integrity), “Solutions Driven” (creative problem‑solving), and “One Mission” (national security focus). - **Work environment**: Primarily on‑site in Austin, TX, with additional offices in Australia, UK, and Japan. High‑growth startup pace with a mission‑driven defense focus. - **Perks & ratings**: LinkedIn employer rating 4.2/5.0 (compensation 4.5, culture 4.0, career 4.3). Notable talent drawn from SpaceX, Tesla, Anduril, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin. - **Engineering culture**: Heavy emphasis on cross‑disciplinary teams (perception, navigation, ML, C2, systems integration) and building “captainless” ships. ## Sources 1. [saronic.com](https://www.saronic.com/) – Homepage, capabilities, and news (Navy contract) 2. [saronic.com/team](https://www.saronic.com/team) – Founders, leadership, values 3. [saronic.com/mission](https://www.saronic.com/mission) – Mission statement 4. [linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies) – Financials, headcount, funding rounds, investors, reviews 5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic) – Active job postings ## Other roles at Saronic Technologies - [Supplier Development Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/supplier-development-engineer-saronic-technologies-austin-cwfac0emrwq0) — Austin, TX - [Integrated Master Scheduler](https://feeny.ai/job/integrated-master-scheduler-saronic-technologies-franklin-5asqk7j6cpne) — Franklin, LA - [Senior People Operations Generalist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-people-operations-generalist-saronic-technologies-austin-g1ez3sbbzzm8) — Austin, TX - [Senior Electrical R&D Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electrical-r-d-test-engineer-saronic-technologies-austin-9bnxw7gt6zty) — Austin, TX - [Machine Shop Helper](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-shop-helper-saronic-technologies-austin-yzmpjepmwcfx) — Austin, TX - [EHS Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/ehs-specialist-saronic-technologies-franklin-gxn8gcgv6z0v) — Franklin, LA - [Training Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/training-specialist-saronic-technologies-austin-q7prgfk86qdh) — Austin, TX - [Director of International Growth - Australia](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-international-growth-australia-saronic-technologies-sydney-93vfssrz2mw3) — Sydney, Australia - [Quality Assurance Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-assurance-specialist-saronic-technologies-franklin-9rf40vnsvhg8) — Franklin, LA - [NPI Quality Inspector - Production](https://feeny.ai/job/npi-quality-inspector-production-saronic-technologies-austin-dm1pm9d0g3vf) — Austin, TX