Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

About Vector Controls

Located just outside Boston (Newton, MA), Vector Controls designs and manufactures advanced propulsion and motion control systems for commercial, Coast Guard, and Naval applications, both domestic and international. Our products integrate mechanical components, electronics, embedded software, and control systems to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions.

We are a small, fast-paced research, development, and manufacturing company where engineers contribute throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, manufacturing, testing, and field deployment. Our collaborative environment offers broad technical exposure, meaningful responsibility, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on our products.

Position Summary

We are seeking a resourceful, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. This position is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or an early-career engineer with 1–3 years of experience, including co-op and internship experience.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, prototyping, and testing of mechanical components and assemblies used in our marine propulsion control systems, working closely with experienced engineers and other technical teams.

We value attitude and potential as much as experience. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and enjoys applying first principles to solve practical problems. We seek someone with strong analytical thinking, sound engineering judgment, and the initiative to tackle challenges without waiting for detailed instructions.

Above all, we want someone eager to learn who enjoys both engineering design and the hands-on work of building and testing real products.

Experience in the marine industry is not required. Candidates from other engineering disciplines and industries are encouraged to apply.

Employment Requirements

• This is a full-time, on-site position in Newton, MA.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of background and professional reference checks, conducted in accordance with applicable law.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and mechanisms for marine propulsion and motion control systems.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Develop and evaluate prototypes using FDM and SLS 3D printing, machining, and other fabrication methods.
• Perform engineering calculations and basic analysis to support mechanical designs and component selection.
• Participate in design reviews, mechanical testing, system integration, and product verification activities.
• Investigate mechanical issues, troubleshoot failures, and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams throughout product development and production.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including assembly instructions, test procedures, and engineering reports.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Recent graduates and candidates with 1–3 years of relevant engineering experience are encouraged to apply.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks; familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software is a plus.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, engineering materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Genuine enthusiasm for hands-on engineering, mechanical assembly, fabrication, prototyping, and testing.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (such as 3D printing and machining) or Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Hands-on academic and professional projects, internships, personal engineering projects, or extracurricular engineering activities are highly valued.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person