Senior Structural Engineer Jobs in Kittery, ME (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an opportunity with plenty of growth potential? Do you enjoy working in an 
exciting, fast-paced, collaborative environment? Are you interested in working with the world’s most innovative companies to create a more connected world? 

Connecting Continents. Impacting Communities. 

The backbone of the Internet is a series of high-tech subsea fiber optic cables deployed throughout the globe - SubCom has deployed over 50% of them. Our employees ensure data communications networks are engineered, manufactured, deployed to the highest standards, enabling faster and more reliable connectivity to communities worldwide. Every member of the SubCom team plays a role in an end-to-end process that is critical to enterprises, governments, big cities, and rural towns. 

We encourage, expect, and value creativity, thoughtful risk taking, openness to change, and diverse perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned applicant seeking a new and exciting challenge, or you’re new to the workforce and looking for a flexible, rewarding, and fast-paced position with an innovative and stable organization (since 1953), SubCom has opportunities to advance your career. 

Position Overview

The Senior Mechanical Design engineer is an established and experienced contributor on a team of Mechanical engineers that research, develop, design, test, and transfer to manufacture next generation high reliability undersea products.  The role reports to the Manager of Undersea Network Element Mechanical Design.  The role works with Program Management, design and reliability engineers, New Product Introduction, and Manufacturing teams to ensure project deliverables and objectives are being met.  The role is responsible for all mechanical design activities from concept to manufacture needed to achieve established project goals and timelines

Responsibilities

This role will be responsible for all aspects of the mechanical design of network element products including fiber tray, module, and network level design as needed for new product development. The position is responsible for the development, implementation and documentation of design verification and qualification test plans.   The role will work with electrical, optical, firmware, reliability and other mechanical engineers and vendors and at times lead and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians.   The position requires participation in formal development processes with organized design, DFMEA reviews.

• Lead the mechanical design and development of next-generation high-reliability undersea network element products from concept through production release.
• Design and develop fiber trays, modules, enclosures, and system-level mechanical assemblies for new product development programs.
• Translate product requirements into innovative mechanical design solutions that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and product documentation in accordance with engineering standards.
• Perform and support mechanical, thermal, structural, and reliability analyses using FEA and other engineering tools.
• Develop, execute, and document design verification, qualification, and reliability test plans, including shock, vibration, thermal, and environmental testing.
• Lead prototype development, hands-on assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation activities.
• Conduct design reviews, DFMEA activities, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential design and manufacturing issues.
• Collaborate with electrical, optical, firmware, reliability, manufacturing, and NPI teams to ensure successful product development and production readiness.
• Support technology transfer activities and provide engineering guidance to manufacturing and field service organizations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, reliability, quality, manufacturability, and cost optimization.
• Evaluate materials, components, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities to support product requirements and business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry, safety, qualification, and reliability standards.
• Participate in requirements definition, system architecture discussions, and cross-functional technical reviews.
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on design methodologies, testing, and problem-solving approaches.
• Provide technical leadership and ownership of mechanical design deliverables, schedules, and engineering execution throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support customer, vendor, and partner technical interactions as required to achieve program objectives.
• Identify, communicate, and resolve technical issues while balancing performance, reliability, schedule, and cost considerations.
• Contribute to research and development efforts by exploring and evaluating new technologies, materials, and design approaches for undersea applications.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering required, MS degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience
• Expertise with a deep foundation in mechanics and analysis, understanding of applied mechanics, materials, materials processing, mechanical testing, and optical transmission principles.
• Strong background in Mechanical engineering development projects, with a focus on high reliability applications.
• Skilled in design/cost trade-offs, and understanding failure modes, reliability, and qualification testing programs
• Experience in Mechanical Testing (Shock and Vibration, Corona, Thermal), qualification and reliability standards.
• Proficient in the use of CAD and FEA design and thermal modeling tools.
• Experience in design guidelines for equipment having high DC voltages and operation in pressure vessels.
• Participate in requirements development and design reviews
• Ability to synthesize new mechanical design concepts from requirements.
• Ability to realize prototype assemblies, including hands-on testing, and technology transfer with factory and field personnel.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, other departments, production organizations, vendors, and sometimes external partners and customers.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to guide a team, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions.
• Candidates should be a self-starter, dedicated, and flexible as workload is variable.
• Strong ability to communicate problems and issues, as well as to summarize and explain results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of program development activities.
• Comfortable working with minimal direction in ambiguous or early-stage R&D efforts.
• Dedicated, detail-oriented, methodical, and quality-focused.
• Collaborative mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and suggest improvements.
• Passion for hands-on engineering and continuous learning.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

Candidates for positions with SubCom must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Our selection procedure is based on local, state and federal law. Please be sure to attach a resume to your application. We are not able to consider applications without a resume. 

BENEFITS 
SubCom offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to: competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverages, FSA, HSA, generous vacation, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k) plan with generous company match. Additionally, some positions may be eligible for shift differential. Note: If the posting is for an internship position, delete all benefit information. 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY 
SubCom is committed to providing a work environment that prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable law or regulation. 

SubCom engineers, manufactures, and installs subsea fiber optic data cables - the unsung heroes of global communication. With an unrelenting focus on quality, reliability, and value, SubCom offers flexible end-to-end building blocks for the high-tech networks that are the backbone of the world's digital infrastructure. While the company's origins date back to the mid-19th century, SubCom has deployed enough cable to circle the equator more than 25 times since its entry into the communications industry in 1955. 

SUBCOM’S CORE VALUES 
Quality - Accountability - Teamwork - Innovation