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
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Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
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Make and guide technical decisions from concept through production readiness.
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Drive hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing.
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Review designs, calculations, and test results to surface risks and strengthen engineering standards.
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Perform hands-on design and problem-solving, including tradeoffs across cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance.
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Mentor engineers through technical collaboration and example.
What We're Looking For
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10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with repeated experience taking products from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment.
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Mechanical design is your primary discipline, including hands-on CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
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Deep mechanical expertise and sound technical judgment in at least one adjacent area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
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Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
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Ability to correlate your own FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
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Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware company that shipped products.
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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
On-site in San Francisco, California.
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