Mechanical Engineer

Overview

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 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 full-scale wing 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 Mechanical Engineer to accelerate, then lead the development of various wing and vessel mechanical systems including wing actuation mechanism, cargo handling automation systems, and many other onboard and onshore mechanical systems. You’ll design, build, and unit test each sub-system, then lead its integration and dockside, coastal, and offshore test campaigns. 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.

The ideal candidate has experience building complex, safety-critical mechanical systems including offshore equipment, industrial AGVs or robots, aerospace/automotive systems and manufacturing equipment. You are a self-starter, who values a balance of speed of execution, rigorous implementation of first principles engineering, and existing best practices. To you, doing hard things to benefit humanity with people you respect is what it’s all about.

• A strong educational or practical background in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience designing robust mechanisms and components for static, dynamic and vibe loads.
• Experience using linear FEA for static and modal analysis of components and assemblies.
• Experience sizing hydraulic and electrical actuators, motors, brakes, and hinged mechanism components (pins, bushings, bearings).
• Familiarity with material selection and corrosion protection for marine or other harsh environments.
• Strong bias towards simplicity in design, and design for manufacturing.

• exposure to marine robotics, small team or startup experience
• 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 (TN supported)