About the Role

A lean, venture-backed robotics startup focused on autonomous ground robots for emergency response, industrial operations, and defense is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical systems of its harsh-environment platforms. These robots are engineered to operate where humans cannot — navigating extreme terrains and surviving conditions including high temperatures, corrosive environments, and water-heavy settings.

You'll join a small, highly capable engineering team (with backgrounds spanning aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing) and have direct influence over the robustness and performance of fielded autonomous systems — from first concept through production and deployment.

Visa sponsorship is available for this role.

What You'll Do

• Own complex electro-mechanical systems end-to-end through all stages of product maturity.
• Design innovative solutions given system requirements, producing 3D CAD models and proof-of-concepts.
• Drive rapid concept validation and critical learnings through fast iteration; build test platforms when it's the fastest path to answers.
• Conduct analyses (strength, reliability, assembly) to ensure designs meet requirements.
• Lead and participate in design reviews and issue triages with cross-disciplinary engineers.
• Generate assembly layouts and detailed engineering drawings using GD&T concepts.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure part producibility and quality.
• Develop and execute testing plans; perform root cause analysis on failures in development and deployment.
• Design and build jigs, test fixtures, and tooling as needed.
• Assemble systems to test performance, integration, and manufacturing processes.
• Document design justifications, analyses, test results, and recommendations for traceability.
• Communicate with end users to clarify requirements and guide feature direction.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Solid engineering fundamentals backed by a strong educational background or experience at engineering-rigorous organizations.
• Hands-on experience building robots — you've designed, assembled, and tested robotic systems.
• Proven ability to own the full product lifecycle from concept through field deployment.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for high-temperature, corrosive, or water-heavy environments.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks (CAD) and ANSYS (FEA).
• Experience generating and approving manufacturing drawings with GD&T annotations to industry standards.
• Experience designing and building jigs, test fixtures, and tooling.
• Proven track record of performing root cause analysis on mechanical failures and driving corrective actions.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers on part producibility and quality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging directly with users and customers.
• Willingness to work on-site in Austin, Texas.

Nice to Have:

• 2–8 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience with prototyping and hardware testing in lab or manufacturing settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 – $150,000 USD annually, depending on experience.
• Visa sponsorship available.

Location

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Austin, Texas, United States. Remote work is not available for this position.