Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

• Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
• Location: Virgina Beach
• Salary: $109,000 - $119,000 depending on qualifications and experience

Who we are: SubSea Craft, is a fast-growing, privately funded, UK-founded innovative maritime technology company specialising in next-generation, high-performance watercraft and systems. As we expand internationally, we are establishing a presence in the United States and are seeking US-based talent to support this growth. Operating at the intersection of advanced engineering, cutting-edge design, and user-centric innovation, we deliver safe, effective, and enabling solutions for both defence and commercial applications.

What we offer:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – 10 days of paid time off annually, plus public holidays.
• Sick Leave – 7 days of paid sick leave per year.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Access to a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage to support your overall wellbeing.
• Dental & Vision Insurance – Additional coverage for routine and specialist care.
• Disability Insurance – Short-term and long-term disability cover to provide financial protection if you’re unable to work.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Access to confidential support services for personal, financial, and mental wellbeing.
• Professional Development – Commitment to ongoing learning and career growth.
• Inclusive Culture – A professional environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.

Role Overview

We are seeking an innovative Mechanical Design Engineer to join our maritime technology team. In this hands-on role, you will develop mechanical designs from concept through prototyping, testing, and validation.

You will create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings, perform design analysis and simulation, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for the marine environment.

We are looking for a creative, detail-oriented engineer with strong mechanical design skills, proficiency in CAD software such as Inventor or SolidWorks, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. Experience with composite materials, corrosion mitigation, and relevant industry standards is highly desirable.

Responsibilities will include:

• Conduct detailed analysis of design requirements, specifications, and project objectives to develop innovative mechanical design solutions

• Utilise CAD software and other design tools to create detailed 3D models and 2D part drawings of mechanical components, ensuring accuracy, functionality, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Substantiate designs using analytical methods, FEA software, and other simulation tools to validate the integrity, performance, and safety of mechanical designs in the maritime environment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, naval architects, and control systems engineers, to ensure seamless integration and compatibility of mechanical designs with other system elements.

• Conduct material selection and evaluation, considering factors such as mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weight optimisation, and cost-effectiveness, for the development of maritime technology solutions.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, engineering drawings, and technical reports, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records throughout the design and development process.
• Maintain tight configuration control of design information and craft systems.

• Commit to learning fast and learning by doing, through the use of prototypes, simulation and other testing and validation.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, analyse, and resolve complex design challenges.

• Courageous and innovative mindset, unafraid to challenge conventional thinking and propose novel ideas.

• Proficiency in sketching and the ability to communicate design concepts visually.

• Expertise in 3D modelling software, such as Inventor or SolidWorks.

• In-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to maritime technology, enabling a confident and justified compromise of performance and cost.

• Strong knowledge of material selection and combination for use in the marine environment, extending to established and novel corrosion mitigation technologies and methodologies.

• Confident in design justification through market research, hand calculation, simulation and physical testing.

• Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards for marine systems and equipment. In particular, experience designing for class approval of machinery and mechanical systems against Lloyd’s or DNV-GL is beneficial.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present design proposals.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to create accurate technical drawings and models.

• Experience with prototyping, testing, and iterative design processes.

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialised certifications are a plus.

Note: Please note: Due to the nature of the work undertaken, the selected candidate must be able to meet the security requirements of the position. This includes, at a minimum, having the legal right to work in the United States and the ability to successfully complete applicable background checks.

For certain roles, candidates may also be required to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance. In the majority of cases, eligibility for clearance will require US citizenship and will be subject to applicable federal laws and regulations.

Values: Our people are our greatest asset, we continually strive to provide an excellent working environment to enable our team to do their best work. We have an agile professional workforce: we are founded on the belief that our people are valued and our business is trusted, inclusive and commercially-adept.

What we expect from you:

• Teamwork, mutual respect and collaboration
• Initiative and independent working
• Honesty and integrity
• Business and commercial awareness
• Agility, adaptability and continuous development

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

• Please note that all offers of employment are conditional and subject to satisfactory background screening, employment verification, and, where applicable, driving record checks. For certain roles, additional security or clearance requirements may apply in line with US defence regulations.

A criminal record will not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Any criminal history will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and in the context of the role, alongside the broader information gathered throughout the application, interview, and pre-employment screening process.

In the event of a high number of applications, , we may be unable to respond to everyone. If you are shortlisted, we will aim to contact you within 14 days of your application or the closing date (if stated). We may retain your details for future suitable roles unless you advise us otherwise.