Mechanical Engineering Lead

Mechanical Engineering Lead

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Thallios builds maritime assets that support the mission of the United States and its allies. We’re a defense‑focused startup developing next‑generation electric and hybrid unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Our small, agile team is solving real‑world national security challenges through autonomy, modular platform design, and scalable maritime systems. We’re looking for engineers who thrive in ambiguity and are driven to build systems that matter.

We’re hiring a Mechanical Engineering Lead to be a cornerstone of our technical team. You'll take a hands‑on role in designing, prototyping, and testing our first autonomous vessel platforms, with a focus on production optimization and practical tradeoffs. You’ll also help shape our mechanical engineering discipline and play a key role in building a high‑performing, mission‑driven team.

• Lead mechanical design efforts from concept through prototyping and into production
• Drive key trade studies balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and mission effectiveness
• Collaborate closely with electrical, autonomy, and software leads to deliver integrated hardware systems
• Design for modularity, maintainability, and rapid field iteration
• Engineer for clarity: the best design is the simplest one
• Support field testing, DfX reviews, and platform validation efforts
• Help recruit and mentor teammates as the company scales
• Contribute directly to field deployment by 2027

• 7+ years in mechanical or electromechanical system design (defense, robotics, EV, or aerospace a plus)
• Proven ability to take designs from blank sheet through to production
• Skilled in hands‑on prototyping, system integration, hardware bring‑up, and hardware verification
• Expertise in designing for harsh environments (marine a plus)
• Highly self‑directed, with demonstrated bias for action and cross‑functional collaboration

• Experience in DoD programs or interdisciplinary autonomy efforts
• Background with marine platforms, propulsion, or hybrid‑electric systems
• Startup, field deployment, or 0‑to‑1 product development experience
• Interest in shaping company culture, values, and engineering standards

• Mission‑driven: build systems that help defend the free world
• Real traction: backed by DIU and building towards real‑world deployment
• Ownership: early role with real influence on product and culture
• Compensation: competitive, impact‑driven
• Team: high‑trust, high‑talent, and motivated by purpose

Salary and location details:
Redmond, WA;
Seattle, WA;
Bellevue, WA;
Tacoma, WA. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Thallios by 2x.