10+ years of experience in designing and delivering complex hardware systems from prototype to production.
Primary discipline in mechanical design with hands-on CAD experience.
Deep mechanical expertise with knowledge in adjacent fields like electrical engineering or embedded systems.
Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary hardware integration for challenging environments.
Ability to correlate FEA or hand calculations with real-world test data.
Experience as a senior contributor or technical lead in a hardware-focused company.
Relevant background in defense, aerospace, robotics, or directed-energy systems.
Responsibilities
Own the mechanical architecture and lead integration with various subsystems.
Make technical decisions from concept to production readiness.
Drive hardware release and production processes with manufacturing teams.
Review designs and test results to identify risks and enhance engineering standards.
Engage in hands-on design and problem-solving, balancing cost, reliability, and performance.
Mentor engineers through collaboration and technical guidance.
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance options.
Retirement savings plan with company matching.
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Collaborative and innovative work environment.
Full Job Description
About the Role
Join a small defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-drone applications. As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will guide full-system mechanical architecture and integration, bringing hardware from prototype through production and field deployment. What You'll Do
Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
Make and guide technical decisions from concept through production readiness.
Drive hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing.
Review designs, calculations, and test results to surface risks and strengthen engineering standards.
Perform hands-on design and problem-solving, including tradeoffs across cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance.
Mentor engineers through technical collaboration and example.
What We're Looking For
10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with repeated experience taking products from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment.
Mechanical design is your primary discipline, including hands-on CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
Deep mechanical expertise and sound technical judgment in at least one adjacent area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
Ability to correlate your own FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware company that shipped products.
Defense, aerospace, robotics, high-performance automotive, maritime, or directed-energy experience is relevant. Experience with ruggedized systems, thermal management, gimbals, qualification standards, or manufacturing setup is valuable.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $235,000 to $305,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. Location
