Senior Mechanical Engineer Manager

A full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area for a mid-to-senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle assembly, load dynamics, fabrication, and actuation. The role begins as soon as possible and is structured around a critical, high-stakes build sprint. Reporting directly to the CTO and managing a team of roughly five engineers, this person takes complete ownership of structural assemblies, actuation mechanisms, and the integration of electro-mechanical subsystems to bring our next 15-ft and 35–50-ft prototypes to life (hull hydrodynamics sits with the naval architect). It suits someone who thrives in early-stage, hardware-heavy environments such as aerospace, race cars, or autonomous vehicles. Responsibilities Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for the 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels. End-to-end ownership: fully own structural components, mechanical assemblies, and vehicle-dynamics/actuation subsystems from CAD to deployment. Rapid CAD-to-reality: use SolidWorks for detailed manufacturing designs, source materials, conduct fit checks, and iterate relentlessly based on structural testing. Hands-on fabrication: perform machining, metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping directly on the shop floor. Field deployment: integrate subsystems with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot on the fly, and operate as a core maritime crew member during ocean deployments and sea trials. Manage and develop a team of ~5 engineers through a high-stakes build sprint. Requirements BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 6+ years of experience in vehicle dynamics, robotics, UAVs, or high-performance mechanical systems. High proficiency in SolidWorks, with strong practical intuition for GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis. Extensive hands-on fabrication experience: machining, prototype assembly, metalwork, and composites. Proven ability to manage multiple rapid deadlines independently and own early-stage hardware from sketch to functional deployment. This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person" (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual). Nice to Have 8+ years of hands-on R&D experience with vehicles or complex mechanical systems. 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. This role is for you if ✓You're relentlessly hands-on — on the shop floor cutting, drilling, welding, and assembling, not just managing builds. ✓You design elegantly and build with speed, owning the work from initial CAD to the final physical product. ✓You translate ambiguous, high-level ideas into robust, functional assemblies using first-principles thinking. ✓You're driven to build critical technology and thrive in high-velocity, high-stakes environments. This is NOT for you if ×You prefer managing builds over being hands-on in the shop. ×You need large-team infrastructure or well-defined processes to be effective. ×You are not comfortable with rapid iteration, shifting priorities, or early-stage ambiguity.

Lead a team of engineers to design, fabricate, and integrate structural assemblies and actuation mechanisms for prototype vessels. Take end-to-end ownership from CAD design to hands-on shop floor fabrication and field deployment during sea trials.

Requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering and 6+ years of experience in vehicle dynamics, robotics, or high-performance mechanical systems. Must be highly proficient in SolidWorks and possess extensive hands-on fabrication skills in machining and composites.

• SolidWorksPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• SolidWorks
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Fabrication
• GD&T
• DFM
• Structural Analysis
• Machining
• Metalwork
• Composites
• Rapid Prototyping
• Actuation Mechanisms
• Team Management
• CAD
• Electro-mechanical Integration
• Hydraulic Actuator Design
• R&D

• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Science & Research

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

6+ years

Apply by

Sep 28, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level