Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Product Development

Austin, Texas | On-site

Join a fast-growing robotics company developing advanced automation platforms that are transforming aerospace and defense manufacturing. This is an opportunity to lead the mechanical development of next-generation robotic systems designed to improve how complex aircraft structures are manufactured, maintained, and sustained. Rather than building one-off automation projects, the team is developing scalable robotic products that can be deployed across multiple customers and production environments.

As the Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of these robotic platforms from concept through production. This role combines hands-on mechanical design with technical leadership, giving you the opportunity to influence engineering standards, mentor other engineers, and solve challenging problems involving robotic platforms, end effectors, precision mechanisms, and automated manufacturing equipment. You ll work directly alongside software, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and applications engineers to develop products that deliver measurable impact to aerospace and defense customers.

We are a venture-backed robotics company developing standardized automation systems for aerospace and defense manufacturing. Our products integrate robotics, motion control, software, sensing technologies, and precision mechanical engineering to automate highly technical manufacturing and sustainment operations. Our engineering organization is intentionally small, allowing every engineer to make meaningful technical contributions while working directly with company leadership. We move quickly, encourage ownership, and value engineers who enjoy solving difficult problems while helping build scalable products from the ground up.

• Lead the mechanical architecture and design of advanced robotic manufacturing systems.
• Own product development from concept generation through design, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, and customer deployment.
• Design robotic platforms, precision mechanisms, structural assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and end effectors.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions that improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Establish mechanical engineering standards, design methodologies, and best practices across the engineering organization.
• Mentor mechanical engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and day-to-day engineering leadership.
• Collaborate closely with controls, software, electrical, manufacturing, and applications engineering teams throughout product development.
• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack-ups, component selection, and detailed design reviews.
• Evaluate new materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies to improve future product generations.
• Support prototype builds, testing, root cause investigations, and design validation activities.
• Work directly with customers and internal stakeholders to translate operational requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Contribute to long-term product strategy and roadmap planning as the company expands its robotics platform portfolio.

• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of experience designing complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Strong background in robotics, industrial automation, precision machinery, or custom equipment design.
• Expert understanding of machine design principles, engineering mechanics, materials, and mechanical system integration.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably Solid Works.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Experience designing machined, welded, fabricated, and assembled mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Comfortable balancing technical leadership with hands-on engineering work.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• U.S. Citizen…