Senior Mechanical Engineer

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer — Defense Robotics

Austin, TX

We’re partnering with a fast-growing defense robotics startup building autonomous turret systems designed to detect and defeat small drones and loitering munitions. This is a hands‑on role working on real, field‑deployed hardware in a highly technical, engineering‑driven environment.

This position is ideal for a senior mechanical engineer who enjoys owning complex electromechanical and robotic systems from concept through qualification and deployment, and who thrives in fast‑moving startup settings where engineering rigor matters.

• Designing ruggedized mechanical systems for autonomous defense platforms
• Owning CAD and mechanical design using Solid Works for complex electromechanical assemblies
• Performing FEA, modal, vibration, and thermal simulations to validate designs
• Designing for harsh operating environments, including shock, vibration, and thermal extremes (MIL‑STD‑810)
• Collaborating closely with electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure clean electromechanical and full‑system integration
• Supporting prototype builds, system‑level testing, and transition to production
• Contributing to design reviews with a focus on reliability, manufacturability, and long‑term durability

• 8–15 years of experience in mechanical design and electromechanical integration
• Strong hands‑on experience with Solid Works or similar CAD tools
• Deep understanding of structural, vibration, and thermal analysis
• Experience designing hardware for demanding or mission‑critical environments
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR)
• Comfort working in a startup environment with high ownership and responsibility

• Proven experience designing robotic systems end‑to‑end — from early‑stage concept and system architecture through detailed mechanical design, subsystem integration (mechanical, electrical, software), validation, and deployment
• Experience taking a complex robotic or autonomous system from prototype through fielded or production‑ready hardware

• Direct experience with MIL‑STD‑810 testing
• Experience with shock isolation, damping, or ruggedized assemblies
• Exposure to defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems

• Base salary range: $200,000 – $330,000
• Equity included
• Opportunity to have direct impact on a mission‑critical system from early stage through deployment

If you’re interested in building real hardware that operates in the toughest conditions — and owning the full system, not just a component — I’d love to connect.