Mechanical Engineer - Robotics

Mechanical Engineer — Aerospace Robotics

Seattle / Shoreline, WA
· On-site

Full-time
· Direct Hire

$105,000 – $150,000 base + 401(k) match, full medical/dental/vision, PTO

Immediate search

CST has been retained on a confidential search for a Mechanical Engineer to join an aerospace robotics pioneer transforming autonomous manufacturing through high-rate, "lights-out" robotic factory platforms. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with a senior design strike team solving high-stakes mechanical problems—engineering precision electromechanical assemblies deployed on live aerospace factory floors and flight lines, not slideware.

• Rapid Engineering Compounding:
  Small strike team, senior peers, and high-complexity design cycles where a 4–8 year engineer accelerates technical ownership faster than in a siloed Tier-1 prime.
• Deployed Production Hardware:
  Real hardware shipping globally to automate aerospace aerostructures; you will see your CAD drawings convert to metal and revenue.
• Full-Lifecycle Scope:
  Complete ownership from initial SOW and requirements through Solid Works CAD, mechanical load calculations, BOM management, prototyping, testing, and production handoff.

Product & Mechanical Design

• Translate customer SOWs and technical requirements into rigorous design objectives and functional prototypes.
• Drive design decisions using first-principles calculations: free-body diagrams, mechanical load analysis, lifecycle simulations, and trade studies.
• Take platforms and end-effectors from concept through prototyping to high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for factory deployment.
• Execute all primary 3D modeling and assembly design in Solid Works.

Prototyping, Testing & Optimization

• Lead hands-on rapid prototyping, bench testing, and real-world electromechanical validation.
• Optimize systems for Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA), targeting structural cost efficiency and assembly speed.
• Perform FEA and dynamic simulations to benchmark and improve platform reliability and load efficiency metrics.

Cross-Disciplinary Integration & Manufacturing Support

• Collaborate directly with electrical and robotics software engineers to integrate closed-loop sensing, actuators, linear rails, and multi-axis mechanisms.
• Generate high-precision part and assembly drawings with strict GD&T standards for CNC machine shops and sheet metal fabricators.
• Issue work orders, build BOMs, author work instructions, and provide direct hands-on QA/assembly support on the shop floor.

• 4+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience (minimum 3+ in hands-on aerospace robotics or automation).
• Hands-on aerospace robotics / industrial automation background—this is the primary candidate filter.
• Advanced Solid Works proficiency, including complex assemblies and disciplined part-drawing generation.
• Rigorous command of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and precision metals fabrication.
• Firm machinery design foundation: engineering mechanics, materials science, fatigue/failure prevention, and electromechanical drive selection.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or a closely related discipline.
• Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (ITAR/aerospace compliance requirement).

• Proven experience with multi-position electromechanical assemblies, precision linear actuators, or closed-loop motion hardware.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation experience (stress, modal, thermal).
• Familiarity with enterprise PDM / PLM workflows and large-scale BOM management.
• Exposure to CATIA or multi-CAD client environments.

• Location:
  
  Seattle / Shoreline, WA — On-site design facility and testing lab.
• Travel:
  Up to 25% for customer site integrations, flight line testing, and field deployments.
• Compensation: $105,000 – $150,000 base salary DOE + comprehensive 401(k) match + 100% covered health, dental, and vision + PTO.
• Clearance / Status: U.S. Person status required.

This is a CST search. Submit your résumé along with a brief summary of your hands-on aerospace robotics or automation hardware projects directly to this job posting.