Manufacturing Engineer
Vatn Systems
Bristol, RI · Posted October 15, 2026
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About the job
Manufacturing Engineer Job Description
At Vatn Systems, we specialize in designing and manufacturing advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that push the boundaries of underwater exploration and defense technology. Our AUVs integrate complex electro-mechanical systems, high-precision sensors, and cutting-edge software to operate in challenging marine environments. We’re looking for skilled Manufacturing Engineers to join our growing team and play a key role in transitioning products from R&D to full-scale production.
As a Manufacturing Engineer at Vatn Systems, you will be responsible for rapidly iterating and building processes and advanced tooling for cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. This responsibility includes Design for Manufacturability, tool design & selection, process creation & optimization, vendor sourcing & interaction, quality planning, and work documentation associated with the hardware that the Manufacturing Engineer owns.
Primary Responsibilities:
Own a portion or all of the manufacturing value chain for a certain product or set of products
Write documentation required for successfully manufacturing their hardware at scale, such as work instructions, quality plans, inspection requirements, etc
Develop process flows, breaking down large, complex assemblies into a logical part flow of subassemblies and sub-processes
Work with upstream engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable at scale
Work with contract manufacturers across various disciplines (PCBA fab, metal/plastic manufacturing, assembly, etc.) to develop repeatable, sustained processes for quick-turn development as well as at-scale production
Work with technicians and other engineers in a hands-on fashion building prototype and production grade hardware
Develop novel tooling solutions for fabrication and assembly of structural parts
Contribute to end-customer hardware mechanical or electrical design, including interconnects, board fabrication and inspection, etc
Required Qualifications:
Degree in a technical field such as engineering, math, or a hard science
3+ years of experience in a relevant field, preferably manufacturing or design of electromechanical hardware
Demonstrated ability to deliver electromechanical hardware to spec in a start-up environment
Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills, with backing examples
Personal experience physically manufacturing hardware via any means (machining, fabrication, soldering, assembly, etc.). Work on personal or extracurricular projects is a plus.
Extremely organized and detail-oriented
Excellent verbal & written communication skills
Has a never-ending sense of urgency and enthusiasm
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with AUVs, ROVs, or other marine robotic systems
Experience with pressure vessels and/or pressure systems/equipment
IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or J-STD-001 certifications
Knowledge of fiber optics, sonar systems, acoustic sensors, or marine navigation systems
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and MES platforms for tracking work orders and materials
Previous involvement in NPI programs with exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies
Understanding of marine corrosion prevention and subsea sealing techniques
Vatn is an equal opportunity employer.