Production Engineer (Olive Branch)

About Ocean Aero:

Ocean Aero is an award-winning US company that has created the world’s first and only environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). Ocean Aero’s autonomous marine robot, the Triton, operates exclusively on wind and solar energy and performs long endurance missions on the ocean surface with the ability to dive subsurface for underwater operations. The Triton uses a complex array of custom-built sensors, marinized electronics, and software systems to operate, sense and communicate in the maritime environment.

Ocean Aero has a collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for growth and ownership, and comprehensive benefits.

Role Description:

The Production Engineer will be the primary technical liaison between Engineering and Production Technicians, supporting the transition of product designs into repeatable, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes for the Triton. This role is responsible for analyzing and improving production methods, developing manufacturing documentation, supporting production readiness, and driving continuous improvement initiatives for the Triton platform.

The Production Engineer works closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Production teams to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, improve workflow efficiency, reduce production risk, and ensure products are built to required quality and performance standards. This role plays a critical role in scaling production, reducing manufacturing costs, improving throughput, and supporting the successful delivery of Ocean Aero products. The Production Engineer will report directly to the Vice President of Production and collaborates cross-functionally to support manufacturing excellence, process development, and production execution.

Role Responsibilities:

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Develop, document, and implement repeatable manufacturing processes that support safe, efficient, and high-quality production
• Serve as a technical liaison between Product Engineering and Production Technicians to ensure designs are manufacturable and effectively transitioned into production
• Lead the development, maintenance, and revision of manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and production documentation
• Support the design, implementation, and validation of process improvements, tooling, fixtures, and automation solutions
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and process simulations to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, tooling, and production processes to maintain operational efficiency and minimize downtime
• Collaborate with the Quality team to develop inspection criteria, testing procedures, and quality control processes that ensure product compliance and reliability
• Collect, analyze, and report production, quality, and performance data to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in root cause investigations of production, quality, and process-related issues and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Support Engineering with manufacturing feedback, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) recommendations, and production readiness activities
• Provide day-to-day technical support to production and fabrication technicians to ensure successful execution of manufacturing operations
• Assist in production planning, process validation, and new product introduction activities as required
• Support a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing organization

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand mechanical, electrical, and software-driven systems
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical information across engineering, operations, and production teams
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, work independently, and drive tasks to completion
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, production, quality, and management personnel
• Ability to travel occasionally, as required
• Possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or successfully meet the requirements to obtain and maintain one
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and personal vehicle insurance
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Successfully pass drug screening, background investigation, and motor vehicle record screening