Mechatronics Lead

Clippership is a maritime robotics company whose mission is to build a new, better way of transporting cargo across oceans, from the keel up. If successful, we will open new trade routes, revitalize small ports, and fundamentally change the way intercontinental trade is conducted. We will also dramatically reduce the environmental impact of transporting cargo over the ocean. To this end, we design, build, and operate compact, autonomous cargo ships whose primary propulsion is the wind, harnessed using a state‑of‑the‑art rigid wing system.

Our first‑generation vessels are designed to be able to transport goods between Europe and North America safely and efficiently, and without burning fuel. With our first full‑scale hull on order, and a full order book of tendered cargo, we need to accelerate development of our wing actuation and control system to meet our wing‑hull integration window and start carrying our customer’s cargo across the ocean.

We are a tight‑knit, fast‑moving team that consists of world‑class roboticists, ex‑F1 engineers, and former special ops personnel. On any one day you’ll find us building large‑scale actuated wing prototypes, developing new weather‑aware collision avoidance algorithms, or offshore chasing down 10‑ton autonomous sailing vessels. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!

We are looking for a Lead Mechatronics Engineer to accelerate, then lead the development of the wing actuation and control systems including actuator selection, position and state sense system, and firmware development. You’ll design, build, and unit test each sub‑system, then lead its integration and dockside, coastal, and offshore test campaigns on the vessel. You’ll also support Class certification efforts. Some travel to Europe (Spain and the Netherlands) is expected during the integration phase, as is occasional travel to support the first vessel as it makes its way from Europe to the US on its maiden voyage.

• A strong educational or practical background in mechanical or electrical engineering, industrial robotics, or industrial automation.
• Experience with large, high power & load, safety‑critical actuated systems.
• Comfort developing simple and robust firmware for actuators and sensors.
• Experience with CAN (J1939, CANopen, NMEA
  2000) and Ethernet communication protocols.
• Familiarity with hydraulic or electro‑hydraulic actuators and valving systems.
• Strong prototyping experience – from rough CAD through to firmware bring‑up.
• Strong bias towards simplicity in design.

• Exposure to marine or extreme environments (professional or personal);
• Small team experience;
• Exposure to ROS2, Linux, robotics software, C++/Python.

• As a critical early hire into a key role, you’ll have the opportunity to have an outsized impact on the company’s core technology.
• Commercial maritime training programs (STCW, powerboat handling) and opportunity for documented sea time aboard a commercial vessel.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and generous equity.

• This is an in‑person role in Redwood City, CA.
• Ability to obtain authorization to work in the US is required.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Maritime Transportation

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Clippership by 2x.

Apply BELOW