Mechanical / Ocean Engineer

Job Description: Orpheus Ocean is seeking a full-time Mechanical or Ocean Engineer (all-levels) to play a key role in the research, design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of our robotic autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platforms, payloads, and equipment. As part of our core engineering team, you will help advance the deep-ocean exploration capabilities of our autonomous platforms, supporting environmental monitoring and surveying for rapidly expanding sectors of the blue economy - including offshore wind, seabed minerals, and critical subsea infrastructure.

Company Description: Orpheus Ocean is revolutionizing exploration of Earth's final frontier. We are a venture-backed, MA-based startup that is designing, building and operating novel autonomous systems for ultra-scalable ocean access, to unlock the future of the blue economy. Our flagship Orpheus AUV is the first to enable autonomous interaction with the seafloor and exploration of deep ocean environments. Learn more at https://www.orpheusocean.com

Duties/Responsibilities: As a Mechanical Engineer at Orpheus Ocean, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to design and deliver robust mechanical and/or mechatronic systems for our AUVs and supporting infrastructure. Responsibilities include:

- Mechanical design, analysis, and documentation of components, assemblies, and subsystems

- Building, integrating, and iterating prototypes and full vehicle systems

- Conduct bench, tank, and open-water testing of Orpheus equipment and systems

- Developing test plans and supporting lab, tank, and field testing—including small boat operations and real-world deployments

- Conducting root-cause analysis and implementing design improvements

- Supporting manufacturing and assembly workflows with high-quality drawings, models, and specifications

- Maintaining clear documentation, revision control, and communication across engineering teams

- Contributing to process development, systems architecture decisions, and overall product evolution

- Participate in offshore field work

This role offers significant ownership, hands-on work, and direct impact on next-generation ocean robotics.

About You: You are a self-motivated engineer who thrives in fast-paced, hardware-driven environments and enjoys tackling hard technical challenges. With appropriate guidance, you can independently take assignments from concept to finished product with rigor and creativity. You are driven to do whatever it takes to get the job done, wearing numerous hats across responsibilities and disciplines, while enthusiastically learning outside of your existing skillset and experiences. You are capable of working across mechanical design, fabrication, testing, and operations. You communicate clearly, collaborate well as a part of an interdisciplinary team, and are energized by building real systems that operate in the ocean.

As a pivotal member of our early-stage team, you must be enthusiastic and prepared to overcome the challenges associated with a growing seed-stage startup, and do so with respect, responsibility, and resilience. You must be adaptive and continually in pursuit of self/team-improvement in a workplace culture that expects all team members to both positively solicit and provide frequent constructive feedback to/from all colleagues, supervisor, and executives.

Minimum Qualifications:

- B.S or M.S in Mechanical or Ocean Engineering or related field

- Sound understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals (stress, materials, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, kinematics, tolerancing, failure analysis, etc.)

- Strong first principles analytical thinking and systematic, methodical problem-solving skills

- Significant experience using CAD (Inventor, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to produce detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs for complex components and assemblies

- Working knowledge of GD&T and ability to generate production-ready drawings with a strong understanding of design-for-manufacturability and mechanical best practices.

- Demonstrated ability to independently take engineering projects from problem definition through design, prototyping, testing, and iteration

- Strong proficiency with hand and power tools and ability to safely and efficiently conduct hands-on mechanical fabrication, assembly, and repair

- Proven experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

- Clear technical communication, documentation, and organizational abilities

- Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and manuals, sensor/equipment datasheets, and mechanical standards

- High attention to detail and disciplined handling of components and instrumentation

- Comfort working safely around industrial hazards such as overhead loads, heavy equipment, and high-energy tools

- Comfort and interest in working in open-water on recreational, research, and commercial vessels of all sizes for field testing and sea duty (as described under Sea Duty)

Desired Qualifications:

- Experience with marine robotics or instrumentation (AUVs, ROVs, ASVs, or similar). Design, assembly, and/or maintenance experience with underwater, sealed, pressurized, or oil-filled mechanical systems.

- Familiarity with operation of underwater acoustic devices for mapping or tracking

- Operational at-sea field experience of any kind, both coastal and offshore.

- Competency maintaining and operating small boats

- Experience with PDM/Vault or similar collaborative CAD/version-control environments

- Hands-on advanced fabrication experience (cnc or manual machining, welding, bending, cutting, 3D printing, molding, casting etc.)

- Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, including:

- Power and/or control system hardware

- Basic PCB design and manufacturing workflows

- Soldering, wiring, crimping, and cable harness assembly

- Basic software engineering competency, (ie. working with microcontrollers)

Physical Requirements: Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to infrequently lift and carry 50 lbs or less independently, multiple times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.

Sea Duty: This is a sea-going position requiring up to 3 months per year (no more than one month continuously) aboard recreational, research, and commercial vessels locally or abroad with bonus sea-leave (PTO) accrued for days spent at sea at the rate defined by company policy.

Location: On-site, New Bedford, MA with flexible but limited work-from-home days on an as needed basis.

Employment Type: Full-time exempt (salaried); expectation is 40 hours per week minimum and occasionally more as needed to meet critical deadlines with infrequent possibility for weekend work, off-hour work, and/or sea duty.

Orpheus Ocean is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Relocation assistance

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- What's your favorite body of water?

- Are you willing and able to go to sea?

Work Location: In person