Description
Katchi Technologies is a Halifax ocean-tech company building autonomous trawl-control and fisheries-data systems for commercial fishing. Our flagship, AutoTrawl, keeps fishing gear precisely positioned in the water column - less seabed contact, less fuel, better data from working vessels.
We’re a small, technically deep team. You’ll have real ownership, and what you build will go to sea.
The role
Lead Mechatronics Engineer for AutoTrawl - hands-on product ownership across mechanical packaging, embedded software, electronics integration, and marine sensors/comms. You report to the founding team.
What you’ll do
- Design rugged and marine-ready mechanical parts and assemblies in CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
- Develop and harden real-time control software and firmware for AutoTrawl
- Select and integrate marine hardware - sensors, controllers, actuators, vessel systems - and decide what goes on the boat
- Build robust data links between wheelhouse gear, our control units, and shoreside/cloud systems
- Lead bench tests, dockside commissioning, and at-sea trials with partner vessels
- Drive external design and manufacturing subcontractors
- Use AI tools to speed engineering, data handling, and development
What you bring (required)
- 5+ years designing and shipping electromechanical or instrumentation products
- Degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent depth)
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred) for sealed / submersible enclosure and packaging design
- Strong embedded firmware (C/C++, real-time / RTOS) and electronics interfacing
- Hands-on protocols: marine (NMEA 0183 / 2000) and/or industrial-embedded (CAN, Modbus, RS-232/422/485, SPI/I²C) plus TCP/IP
- Ocean / marine / subsea experience - corrosion, sealing, connectors, IP, gear that works in harsh conditions
- Comfortable on boats and on the water; willing to travel and go to sea for trials
- Valid driver’s licence; able to do hands-on work including lifting ~50 lbs
- Eligible to work in Canada
- AI-forward - you actually use AI tools in how you work
Strong assets
- P.Eng (or eligibility with Engineers Nova Scotia)
- PCB / custom electronics design
- Hydraulics experience
