SkillBridge - Pliant Energy Technician

 The HireMilitary DoD SkillBridge / Career Skills Program (CSP) Internship is an approved SkillBridge Program under Dept. of Defense Instruction 1322.29 as enacted by 10 U.S.C. Sec 1143. Eligibility is restricted to members of the U.S. Armed Forces separating honorably with greater than 180 days of continuous Active Duty. SkillBridge/CSP period of eligibility is within the final 180 days of Active Duty service, and the SkillBridge/CSP must be completed prior to separation from Active Duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. HireMilitary DoD SkillBridge/CSP is open to members of all services, and all ranks and experience levels. Service members should fully review SkillBridge/CSP Position Description for individual opportunity requirements and qualifications.

SkillBridge participants participate in full time training with industry (40 hour work week) under military orders and are not eligible for compensation from HireMilitary or its partner host employers but will continue to receive all military wages and benefits for the period of the DoD SkillBridge/CSP enrollment.

DoD SkillBridge/CSP is fully compliant with FLSA, DBA, SCA, CSHSSA and all other pertinent Federal and State labor laws. For more employer information regarding DoD SkillBridge/CSP, please contact [email protected]

 

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About Us

Pliant Energy Systems is at the frontier of marine technology. We design and build advanced propulsion, robotics, and energy-harvesting platforms capable of operating across the most demanding aquatic environments — including open ocean and the surf zone. Our work is novel, high-impact, and rooted in rigorous engineering.

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The Opportunity

We're looking for a skilled and resourceful Prototype Technician to join our small, high-performing team. This is a hands-on, technically varied role at the intersection of mechanical fabrication, electrical integration, and field testing. You'll help build, maintain, and advance unique, high-value robotic systems — and play a direct role in bringing cutting-edge technology to life.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically versatile builder who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and takes pride in precise, high-quality work.

Location: Brooklyn, NY

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What You'll Do

• Fabricate mechanical components, tools, fixtures, and test rigs to tight tolerances.
• Source, inspect, and validate components and materials from external vendors.
• Assemble and integrate mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical subsystems.
• Perform low-voltage wiring and hands-on electronics tasks.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot prototype systems using a range of test interfaces and methods.
• Test and validate robot performance in both laboratory and field (aquatic) environments.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and workshop facilities to a high standard.
• Support the productivity and output of the broader engineering team.

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What You'll Bring

Required

• Proven hands-on experience in fabrication, assembly, or prototype development.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and contribute to engineering drawings, schematics, and procedures.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools and inspection methods.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-first approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Experience with CAD/CAM tools 
• Background in maritime technology or marine systems.
• Hands-on experience with robotics or autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with Python or scripting for test automation.
• Experience with version control tools such as GitHub.

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Why Join Pliant?

• Work on genuinely novel technology at the cutting edge of marine robotics.
• Join a lean, high-caliber team where your contributions have real impact.
• Gain rare, hands-on experience across mechanical, electrical, and systems-level engineering.
• Field test your work in real aquatic environments — not just in the lab.