Department
Engineering
Type
Full-Time
Location
Bay Area / On-Site
This is a full-time, on-site role in the Bay Area, CA for a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural fabrication, actuation, and prototype assembly. You will report directly to our CTO and work alongside engineers and technicians to bring our 15ft and 35ft vessels to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves building real hardware, thrives in early-stage environments, and has experience in robotics, vehicles, race cars, or similar mechanical systems. You will focus on structural components, mounts, actuation, assemblies, and integration of mechanical subsystems — not hull hydrodynamics.
Responsibilities
- Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for 15ft and 35ft vessels.
- Perform hands-on metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping.
- Use SolidWorks to create detailed 2D/3D designs for manufacturing.
- Work with suppliers and fabrication shops to source materials, components, and hardware.
- Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads.
- Conduct structural testing, fit checks, and iterative design improvements.
- Support full prototype assembly, troubleshooting, and field deployment.
- Contribute as a member of a maritime crew during field deployments.
- Ensure mechanical systems meet durability, safety, and operational requirements in rugged environments.
- Manage work across multiple projects while meeting rapid deadlines.
Requirements
- US Citizen or US Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required for ITAR compliance.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experience.
- Strong mechanical design skills, especially in structural and bracket design.
- Proficiency with CAD tools — SolidWorks strongly preferred.
- Experience with welding, machining, fabrication, and prototype assembly.
- Background in robotics, race cars, vehicles, UAVs, or similar mechanical systems.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes from concept to deployed product.
- Hydraulic actuator design and integration experience.
- Composite design and fabrication knowledge.
- Experience with vessel or off-road vehicle structural systems.
- Operational experience working with deployed vehicles or maritime platforms.
- Familiarity with GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis fundamentals.
This role is for you if
- ✓You are hands-on — you will be cutting, drilling, welding, and assembling hardware yourself.
- ✓You build fast, iterate fast, and own your work end-to-end.
- ✓You like working on vehicles and complex mechanical systems.
- ✓You can take a rough idea and turn it into a functional part.
- ✓You thrive in a startup environment and want to build something meaningful.
Ready to build what matters?
Fill out our application form to apply for our open roles at Bulwark Dynamics.