About the RoleA lean, venture-backed robotics startup operating in the defense, emergency response, and industrial sectors is looking for a
Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical systems of their next-generation autonomous ground robots. You'll be joining a small, high-caliber team - with roots at organizations like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Southwest Research Institute - building platforms engineered to operate in the most demanding environments on earth: extreme heat, corrosive conditions, hazardous atmospheres, and complex terrain.
This is a hands-on, ownership-heavy role that spans concept through production and field deployment. You'll design, build, test, and iterate on electro-mechanical assemblies that need to perform with precision and reliability at scale. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
What You'll Do- Own complex mechanical systems through all stages of product maturity, from concept to field deployment.
- Design innovative solutions given system requirements, producing 3D CAD models and proof-of-concepts.
- Drive rapid concept validation and critical learnings through fast iteration; build test platforms when it's quicker than waiting.
- Conduct analyses (strength, reliability, assembly) to ensure designs meet requirements.
- Lead and participate in design reviews and issue triages with cross-disciplinary engineers.
- Generate assembly layouts and detailed engineering drawings using GD&T concepts.
- Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure part producibility and quality.
- Develop and execute testing plans; perform root cause analysis on failures in development and deployment.
- Design and build jigs, test fixtures, and tooling as required.
- Assemble systems to test performance, integration, and manufacturing processes.
- Document design justifications, analyses, test results, and recommendations for traceability.
- Communicate with end users to clarify requirements and guide feature direction.
What We're Looking ForRequired:- Strong engineering fundamentals backed by a rigorous academic background or experience at engineering-intensive organizations.
- Proven track record of leading, building, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems - with clear ownership and decisive problem-solving.
- Prior experience building robots - this is a firm requirement.
- Experience designing mechanical systems for high-temperature, corrosive, or water-heavy environments.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks and ANSYS (or equivalent FEA tooling).
- Experience generating and approving manufacturing drawings with GD&T annotations to industry standards.
- Experience designing and building jigs, test fixtures, and tooling for mechanical systems.
- Ability to perform root cause analysis on mechanical failures and drive corrective actions.
- Experience collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers on part producibility and quality.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging directly with users and customers to clarify requirements.
- Willingness to work on-site in Austin, Texas.
- 2-8 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
Nice to Have:- Experience with defense, aerospace, or industrial automation hardware.
- Background in prototyping and hardware testing in lab or manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical integration in autonomous or remotely operated systems.
Compensation & Benefits- Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 USD annually, depending on experience.
- Equity participation in a well-funded early-stage company.
- Visa sponsorship available.
LocationThis is a fully
on-site role based in
Austin, Texas. Candidates must be willing to work on-site full time.
