Senior Propulsion & Hydrodynamics Engineer
$166,000–$220,000 year
On-siteCosta Mesa, California, United States
Job Summary
Drive propulsion system design including thruster selection, integration, and performance. Lead hydrodynamic analysis covering drag estimation, resistance prediction, and flow characterization while optimizing fairing geometry for vehicle range and endurance. Define propulsion power requirements, coordinate with Energy Systems on power budgets, and lead trade studies balancing speed, noise, and propulsive efficiency. Support prototype testing including sea trials and contribute to design-for-manufacturability reviews. Travel up to 25% to test sites and vendor facilities. Report to the Vehicle Systems Lead to evaluate, qualify, and manage parallel pursuits across product, engineering, and operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
- 5+ years of experience in marine propulsion, hydrodynamics, or vehicle performance analysis
- Experience with CFD tools and hydrodynamic modeling
- Familiarity with electric thruster systems or marine propulsion drives
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance
- Travel up to 25% to test sites and vendor facilities
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with AUV or UUV propulsion systems
- Working knowledge of propeller or thruster design and optimization
- Experience with propulsion testing
- Familiarity with acoustic signature management
- Experience in defense or maritime robotics
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