Overview
Senior Mechanical Engineer – ROV Systems (Houston, TX)
We're partnering with a market leader in subsea robotics to hire a Senior Mechanical Engineer to drive design and qualification of work–class and observation–class ROVs, TMS/LARS, manipulators, and subsea tooling. You'll architect rugged, serviceable hardware for deepwater environments – balancing hydrodynamics, reliability, and manufacturability under extreme pressure and corrosive conditions.
What you'll do
* Lead end–to–end mechanical design for ROV frames, buoyancy, thruster/propulsor integration, manipulators, tool skids, compensated hydraulic systems, pressure housings, and wet–mate interfaces.
* Perform analysis and testing: structural & fatigue FEA, hydrodynamic drag/lift (CFD), vibration, shock, and thermal; correlate with tank/flow–loop and sea trials.
* Engineer pressure–balanced/oil–filled systems, compensators, dynamic/static seals, bearings, and gear trains for deepwater duty.
* Specify materials/coatings for seawater service: super duplex / Ti / 6Al–4V / 6061–T6 / 7075 / PEEK / acetal, ceramics, and elastomers; design for galvanic isolation and cathodic protection.
* Own product documentation: BoMs, drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), assembly/test procedures, maintenance manuals.
* Define and execute qualification test plans: pressure/vacuum, leak & helium sniff, endurance cycling, IP/ingress, proof/ultimate loads, and DNV/ABS compliance.
What you'll bring
* BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering (or related).
* 7–12+ years designing ROVs, subsea tooling, manipulators, TMS/LARS, or pressure–balanced subsea equipment.
* Expert in SolidWorks or Inventor, ANSYS/Abaqus, and tolerance stack–ups; hands–on prototyping and test.
* Deep knowledge of subsea materials, corrosion/erosion, sealing, hydraulics, and wet–mate connectors.
* Familiarity with API 17H/17F (ISO 13628), DNV/ABS class rules, and documentation for certification.
* Clear communicator who leads reviews and mentors junior engineers.
Nice to have
* Experience with 7–function electric/hydraulic manipulators, quick–disconnect tool changers, and torque tools.
* CFD for thruster interaction/hull drag; cavitation assessment.
* Design of LARS/TMS structures, winches, sheaves, and fiber–optic/electro–optical umbilicals.
* Knowledge of ROS2/real–time controls packaging, leak detection, and subsea camera/lighting enclosures.
* Exposure to ATEX/IECEx for topside gear; additive manufacturing for spares and complex geometries.
Why join
* Empowered, practical engineering culture; strong prototype/test budgets.
* Competitive base + bonus, excellent benefits, and a growth path to Lead/Principal Engineer or Team Leader.
* Relocation to Houston available for standout candidates.
Location & work setup
Houston, TX (onsite hybrid).
Eligibility
* US work authorization required – No Sponsorship Available
Apply / Refer
Apply now. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a confidential discussion.
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