Senior 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 an experienced, resourceful, and hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer with strong engineering fundamentals, sound technical judgment, and the ability to independently solve complex mechanical problems.

The successful candidate will take technical ownership of mechanical components and assemblies used in our marine propulsion control systems, from initial requirements and design through analysis, prototyping, validation, and production.

We value engineers who apply first principles, think critically, challenge assumptions, and develop practical, reliable solutions. The ideal candidate combines analytical discipline with creativity, initiative, and a genuine enthusiasm for hands-on engineering.

This is a senior individual contributor position, not a project or personnel management role. Technical leadership is demonstrated through engineering expertise, independent judgment, and mentorship of less experienced engineers while remaining actively involved in design, analysis, prototyping, and testing.

Experience in the marine industry is not required. Candidates with relevant experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, industrial automation, defense, manufacturing, and other electromechanical 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

· Independently design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and mechanisms for marine propulsion and motion control systems, taking technical ownership from concept through production.

· Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

· Perform engineering calculations, mechanical analysis, and tolerance analysis to ensure robust, reliable, and manufacturable designs.

· Develop and evaluate prototypes using FDM and SLS 3D printing, machining, and other fabrication methods.

· Conduct technical design reviews, evaluate design alternatives, and identify engineering risks and potential failure modes.

· Investigate complex mechanical issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement effective engineering solutions.

· Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support system integration, production, and continuous product improvement.

· Prepare and review technical documentation, including design specifications, assembly instructions, test procedures, and verification reports.

· Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, promoting sound engineering practices and effective problem-solving.

· Independently manage technical priorities and adapt to changing requirements in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Desired Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

· Typically 7+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience, with demonstrated technical ability and accomplishments valued over years of experience alone.

· Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, including complex assemblies, detailed engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation. Familiarity with AutoCAD is a plus.

· Deep understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, materials, tolerances, manufacturing processes, and the application of first principles to complex design problems.

· Proven experience independently developing mechanical components, assemblies, or products from concept through prototyping, testing, and production.

· Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-up analysis, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA).

· Strong hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, prototyping, and testing. Familiarity with machining processes is highly desirable.

· Experience with mechanical testing, failure investigation, root-cause analysis, and product improvement.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical documentation skills.

· Self-motivated, resourceful, and dependable, with sound engineering judgment, initiative, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

· Ability to mentor less experienced engineers and provide technical leadership while remaining actively involved in hands-on engineering work.

Pay: $135,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person