Sr. Buoyancy Engineer

Required Skills & Experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Ocean Engineering, or equivalent

7+ years of experience in marine vehicle systems, hydraulic/pneumatic actuation, or subsea equipment

Experience with variable ballast or trim systems

Familiarity with pumps, valves, and actuators in marine environments

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance

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Nice to Have Skills & Experience

Experience with AUV, UUV, or submarine buoyancy control systems

Working knowledge of depth and attitude control for underwater vehicles

Experience with pressure-compensated hydraulic systems

Experience in defense or maritime robotics

Job Description

You will own buoyancy and trim system design for a maritime autonomous vehicle, spanning both passive buoyancy (static ballast and trim weights) and active buoyancy (variable ballast and dynamic trim control). You will design variable ballast systems, trim actuation, and the mechanical components that allow the vehicle to maintain and dynamically adjust buoyancy and attitude during operation.

Your spectrum of support will be diverse in nature and require you to leverage your technical expertise as well as leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and rapidly drive to completion. The ability to leverage your intuition and prior experience will be key in making sure the right design, analysis, and test steps are completed to ensure success.

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WHAT YOU'LL DO

Own buoyancy and trim system design, both passive and active, including static ballast, trim weights, variable ballast tanks, and trim actuators

Design pump, valve, and actuator systems for dynamic buoyancy control

Develop requirements for buoyancy control algorithms in coordination with GN&C

Perform trade studies on buoyancy approaches (variable ballast, oil displacement, drop weights)

Interface with structural, propulsion, and GN&C teams

Support prototype builds and design-for-manufacturability reviews

Contribute to test planning and execution for buoyancy validation

Travel up to 25% to test sites and manufacturing facilities