Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: San Francisco
Type: Full time
Posted: 1D AGO

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About the role

About the Role

Join a small defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-drone applications. As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will guide full-system mechanical architecture and integration, bringing hardware from prototype through production and field deployment.

What You'll Do

Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
Make and guide technical decisions from concept through production readiness.
Drive hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing.
Review designs, calculations, and test results to surface risks and strengthen engineering standards.
Perform hands-on design and problem-solving, including tradeoffs across cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance.
Mentor engineers through technical collaboration and example.

What We're Looking For

10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with repeated experience taking products from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment.
Mechanical design is your primary discipline, including hands-on CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
Deep mechanical expertise and sound technical judgment in at least one adjacent area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
Ability to correlate your own FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware company that shipped products.
Defense, aerospace, robotics, high-performance automotive, maritime, or directed-energy experience is relevant. Experience with ruggedized systems, thermal management, gimbals, qualification standards, or manufacturing setup is valuable.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $235,000 to $305,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On-site in San Francisco, California.