Job Description
MUST BE ELIGIBLE FOR TOP SECURITY CLEARANCE
About the Role
We're building next-generation defense systems designed to operate in some of the world's most challenging environments. As a Mechanical Engineering Manager, you'll lead a team of mechanical engineers while remaining deeply involved in the design, development, testing, and deployment of mission-critical hardware.
This is a hands-on leadership role for an engineer who enjoys solving difficult technical problems, mentoring engineers, and moving quickly from concept to fielded product. You'll work closely with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams to develop ruggedized autonomous and robotic systems that perform reliably in real-world operational environments.
What You'll Do
- Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and rapid execution.
- Remain hands-on in the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical systems for defense and autonomous platforms.
- Design and develop ruggedized hardware capable of operating under vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental stress conditions.
- Perform and review structural, vibration, modal, thermal, and finite element analyses to validate designs and reduce technical risk.
- Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, electronics, power systems, and embedded hardware.
- Drive prototype development, testing, and iterative product improvements throughout the engineering lifecycle.
- Develop detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, design specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.
- Plan and execute environmental and reliability testing, ensuring products meet performance and durability requirements.
- Support manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure designs are practical, scalable, and cost-effective to produce.
- Lead design reviews and identify technical risks early in the development process.
- Establish and maintain best practices in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Reliability (DFR), and engineering documentation.
- Help recruit, onboard, and develop a high-performing mechanical engineering team as the company grows.
What You'll Bring
- A passion for building robust hardware systems that operate reliably in harsh, mission-critical environments.
- 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including experience leading projects or managing engineers.
- Previous experience in robotics, autonomous systems, robotic research laboratories, medical robotics, unmanned systems, or related advanced hardware domains.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Strong R&D background with experience taking products from concept through testing and deployment.
- Hands-on experience performing structural, vibration, modal, and thermal analysis using tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or equivalent platforms.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks (preferred), Creo, or CATIA.
- Experience designing for demanding environmental conditions, including vibration, shock, temperature, and humidity exposure.
- Strong understanding of electromechanical integration, including sensors, actuators, wiring harnesses, and embedded electronics.
- Experience conducting FEA, modal analysis, and thermal analysis to inform engineering decisions.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, and test organizations.
- Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) principles.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing products for defense, aerospace, maritime, or other high-reliability industries.
- Direct experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental qualification testing.
- Familiarity with military qualification standards, including naval shock and EMI/EMC requirements.
- Experience with shock isolation, vibration mitigation, and structural survivability design.
- Knowledge of thermal management, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
- Experience with rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technologies.
- Previous experience leading small engineering teams in fast-paced startup or R&D environments.
- Experience supporting products through prototype, low-rate production, and scaled manufacturing phases.
Why Join Us
You'll work alongside a highly technical team solving challenging problems at the intersection of robotics, autonomy, and national security. This role offers significant ownership, the opportunity to build and mentor a growing engineering team, and the ability to directly influence products from concept through deployment.