JobsMercury Marine

Engineer - Drives & Propulsion Systems

Mercury Marine · Oshkosh, WI

Posted Jul 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you designed a test to answer an engineering question that hadn't been answered before. What did you measure and why?

whether the candidate can structure a test from a vague question to a defensible plan, not just execute one handed to them

Tell me about the last time you had to translate a CFD or FEA request to another group. How did you make sure they were validating the right thing?

ability to specify simulation requests clearly rather than throwing a vague ask over the wall

Describe a time you had to change a hydrodynamic shape, like a fin or a housing, to meet a functional requirement. What forced the change and how did you know it worked?

hands-on experience with iterative shape optimization tied to a measurable requirement

Tell me about a report you wrote that changed a design decision. What made it convincing to the people who read it?

communication skill and whether their documentation actually drives engineering outcomes

What's your experience with boats or marine systems, and if you don't have direct experience, how have you gotten up to speed on a technical domain you didn't know well?

honesty about gaps and evidence of fast, self-directed learning since marine-specific background is preferred but not required

Technical

How would you set up an on-water test plan to compare gearcase loads in calm water versus rough water versus a hard turn?

real understanding of what varies mechanically across those operating conditions and how to isolate it in a test matrix

Explain how you'd use an IMU on a boat to develop a structural load target for a propeller. Walk me through the coordinate transformations you'd need.

actual working knowledge of Euler angles and rigid body transformations versus name-dropping the terms

Give me an example of a script or tool you built in Python or MATLAB to process test data. What problem was it solving and who else ended up using it?

whether their coding is purpose-built and reusable, not a one-off exercise

How would you build an FMEA for a new gearcase design? What failure modes would you prioritize first and why?

whether they understand FMEA as a prioritization tool rooted in actual failure risk, not paperwork

Situational

Say you're running an on-water boat test and the load cell data on the propulsor comes back noisy and inconsistent between runs. What do you do before you write it off as bad data?

practical instinct for troubleshooting instrumentation versus jumping to conclusions about the physics

Suppose your 1-D performance prediction model disagrees with test data by a meaningful margin. How do you decide whether the model is wrong, the test is wrong, or both are right and something else is going on?

judgment about reconciling simulation, model, and physical test data without just trusting whichever number is convenient

If a prototype structural test on a midsection component comes back marginal, close to the requirement but not clearly a pass, what do you do next?

comfort making a recommendation under ambiguity instead of deferring the decision entirely

You need a component-level structural test during the prototype phase, but the test lab and the design analysis group have different opinions on what needs to be measured. How do you resolve that?

cross-functional collaboration skill and ability to align competing technical priorities without escalating unnecessarily

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality: Position Overview :  As an Engineer on the Drives and Propulsion Systems Engineering team you will be focused on systems engineering for marine propulsor midsection, gearcase, and propeller development. You'll be part of a team that offers a unique, challenging, and rewarding work environment that fosters individual growth. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver. Essential Functions: • Design on-water boat tests, work with engineering test technicians to execute, analyze collected data, and write summary reports • Request CFD & FEA simulations from the design analysis group for component-level and vessel-level validation before prototype hardware is available  • Request component-level structural tests during prototype testing and development phase of new product development • Utilize load cells to measure propulsor loads during calm water, rough water, and turning operations • Feed simulation and test results into 1-dimensional performance prediction models • Drive hydrodynamic shape changes of gearcase and propeller components to meet functional requirements during development of new marine propulsors • Utilize boat-mounted IMU instrumentation and coordinate transformations to develop structural load targets for marine propulsor components • Develop and execute FMEAs, DVPs, and Test/Design Standards related to marine drives and propulsion systems • Collaborate across multiple cross-functional teams within the Product Development and Engineering organization Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Naval Architecture • Previous internship or co-op experience • Aptitude for aerodynamic or hydrodynamic system design, analysis, and optimization • Experience with Python, Matlab, or similar for data analysis and tool creation    • Experience designing and executing tests • Strong report writing and documentation skills Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Naval Architecture • Minor in software engineering or computer science • Experience with marine propulsion systems or boating in general • Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation • Knowledge of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Euler angles, and rigid body transformations • Ability to utilize Creo or other 3D modelling software for simple concept mockups The anticipated pay range for this position is $62,800 - $100,800 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here . Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify . Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine

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