Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

XSubRobotics is a next-generation defence technology company and a joint venture between Planys Technologies, Krishna Defence and Allied Industries Limited and Conceptia Software Technologies Pvt. Ltd. XSub is building intelligent autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and maritime robotic systems that give naval and security forces a real‑time, machine‑driven picture of the undersea battlespace. Inspired by the pace, ambition, and product mindset of modern defence innovators, we are designing persistent, long‑range AUVs, edge‑compute heavy payloads, and advanced undersea sensing that turn oceans into knowledgeable, navigable, and defendable environments. At XSub, engineers and researchers work like full‑stack product teams: shaping hydrodynamics and propulsion, architecting navigation and perception stacks, and building autonomy and mission‑systems software that must perform in GPS‑denied, low‑comms, high‑risk conditions. You will see your code and hardware leave the lab quickly, iterate through real sea trials, and plug into high‑impact naval, coastal security, and strategic deterrence missions in India and beyond.

Role Description

The Marine Propulsion Design Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in Chennai. The role involves designing and developing marine propulsion systems for AUVs and ROVs, including thrusters, propellers, impellers, ducts, and nozzles. Responsibilities include performing CFD simulations, conducting prototype validation and thrust testing, improving designs based on performance feedback, and collaborating with cross-functional teams for propulsion system integration into underwater platforms. The role also includes supporting manufacturing, DFMA, engineering documentation, and production-related activities to ensure reliable and efficient underwater propulsion systems.

Roles and Responsibility

• Own end-to-end design of marine thrusters, propellers, ducts, impellers, nozzles, and hydrodynamic flow paths
• Maintain and improve production related engineering documentation, BOM, specifications and test reports
• Improve existing designs and issue revised fabrication drawings. Perform prototype validation and issue change requests for production
• Work closely with manufacturers, perform assembly and validate for Form Fit & Function including DFMA for impellers, propellers, housings, and structural components
• Perform CFD simulations (steady, transient, multiphase) for thrust prediction, flow optimization, and cavitation study
• Develop rotating machinery with strong understanding of bearings, sealing, lubrication paths, and underwater operation
• Collaborate with electronics engineers on motor–propeller matching, performance curves, torque-speed envelope, and thermal considerations
• Conduct experimental validation, flow visualization, and thrust stand testing
• Work with mechanical engineers to integrate propulsion systems into AUV/ROV hulls with minimal drag
• Iterate designs based on testing feedback, field performance, and mission-specific requirements
• Document design reviews, performance reports, CFD summaries, and validation data
• Develop propulsion systems considering cavitation limits, acoustic signature reduction, and efficiency vs thrust trade-offs
• Integrate motor–propeller design considering speed–torque envelopes and hydrodynamic loading
• Strong experience in 3D modelling, Drafting, Stackup Analysis & design for assembly
• Conduct experimental validation including thrust stand testing, endurance testing, and long-duration performance validation
• Work with manufacturing teams to define DFM, DFA, & DFMA for cast, machined, or composite propulsion components

Legal Qualification / Certification Required

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields
• Strong CFD experience (Ansys Fluent, Star-CCM+, Open FOAM)
• Hands-on experience with propeller, pump, turbine, or rotating machinery design
• Proficiency in CAD modelling for blades and flow components

Preferred Qualification, Specialization, Experience for the position

• 1 - 3 years of experience with design of rotating equipment or turbomachinery (pumps, turbines), UAV propellers/drones
• Understanding of cavitation modelling, thrust testing, or hydrodynamic performance tuning.
• Knowledge of motors, drives, and underwater housing integration.
• Publications or thesis related to CFD, marine propulsion, or rotating equipment.