What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Systems Engineer position at Cardinal Engineering LLC?
We are expanding our team to support engineering services, design, development, and qualification of next-generation Surface Ship Energy Storage Systems. This initiative will bridge the gap between early-stage prototyping and naval deployment, guiding power distribution cabinets through MIL-DTL-901E shock qualification. We are seeking multiple positions for this support team including a Lead Engineer to steer the programs electrical architecture, a Structural Engineer to head the qualification strategy and motivated Junior Engineers to support the project. Roles and responsibilities will be tailored based on candidate experience.
The position expectations will include:
- Collaborating with Navy stakeholders to identify shipboard applications and establish structural/environmental shock design constraints
- Conducting Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA) to identify technical gaps on power cabinets and electronic components to isolate survivability risks.
- Coordinating, planning and overseeing component shock testing in accordance with Navy Shock requirements, MIL-DTL-901E, along with other forms of environmental qualification testing (EQT)
- Implementing Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies to map requirements, track system architecture, and manage verification data throughout the project lifecycle.
- Working closely with defense customers to provide status reports and programmatic artifacts
- Documenting design decisions in technical memorandums and reports
- Work with other engineers to conduct Modeling and Simulation (Matlab, Finite Element Analysis, power system modeling) as required
Desired background:
Lead Electrical Engineer
- 5 years of relevant engineering experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, or electrical/mechanical systems with Engineering degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics or Computer Engineering. Master’s degree preferred.
- Deep technical knowledge of high-power distribution systems, auxiliary mechanical and electrical component cabinets, and large format battery energy storage systems. Working experience with 500-1000VDC lithium battery-based systems and solid-state power conversion equipment a plus.
- Strong proficiency in defining, measuring, and analyzing critical electrical characteristics in fielded systems—including transient electrical performance, circuit protection and coordination, power quality analysis, and thermal behavior.
- Proven ability to interface directly with Navy Technical Area Experts, program managers, and equipment vendors to align technical criteria.
- Anticipated salary range is between $100,000 - $175,000 commensurate with year and applicability of experience
Lead Shock & Structural Survivability Engineer
- Experience: 6 years of relevant engineering experience in mechanical engineering, structural dynamics, or naval architecture with Engineering degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics or Computer Engineering.
- Experience with EQT, with emphasis on MIL-DTL-901E shock qualification processes and T9070-AJ-DPC-120/3010 shock design criteria for surface ships.
- Strong expertise in conducting Dynamic Design Analysis Method (DDAM) calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), and shock isolation design for shipboard equipment cabinets.
- Proven history of defining criteria for physical hardware testing (light/medium weight shock machines) and managing large-scale environmental testing (barge tests), including designing test fixtures.
- Background or foundational understanding of electrical engineering/power systems to better evaluate the impact of shock on electrical enclosure components a plus
- Anticipated salary range is between $100,000 - $175,000 commensurate with year and applicability of experience
Junior / Associate Systems Engineer
- Experience: 0–5 years of experience with Department of War programs with Engineering degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics or Computer Engineering.
- Strong foundational understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, or electrical systems. Prior exposure to military standard (MIL-STD) testing is preferred.
- Familiarity with CAD software, MATLAB
- Eager to learn complex naval shock standards, highly organized, and possess strong technical writing skills to assist with reports and test procedures.
- Anticipated salary range is between $85,000 - $125,000 commensurate with year and applicability of experience
Additional Detail
· Location: Hybrid work environment with potential for full-time telework
· Travel: Occasional travel will be required to visit contractor, testing or government facilities (<10%)
· Clearance: Active security clearance required.
Employee Benefits
Cardinal Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and offers industry-leading benefits, including:
- Generous 401k company contribution
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance plans for your family
Salary : $85,000 - $125,000