Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer (Autonomous Systems / Robotics Hardware)

Location: Phoenix AZ
Company Stage: Early-Stage Defense / Robotics Startup
Office Type: Onsite
Salary: $130000 - $150000 ( Equity)

Company Description

This early-stage robotics company is building low-cost autonomous swarm systems designed for real-world high-impact environments. Their platform focuses on scalable rugged hardware paired with intelligent autonomy enabling coordinated behavior across fleets of ground robots. Backed by experienced founders from top-tier autonomous systems and aerospace organizations the company is tackling mission-critical challenges in defense and beyond.

What You Will Do

• Lead mechanical design and integration efforts for autonomous ground vehicle systems
• Design and develop ruggedized hardware solutions for sensors compute systems and custom components
• Own hardware development from concept through prototyping testing and production
• Collaborate with suppliers and OEM partners to evaluate designs requirements and manufacturability
• Integrate mechanical systems across vehicle platforms to support autonomy and durability in harsh environments
• Drive full product lifecycle execution including design validation iteration and deployment
• Work cross-functionally with electrical embedded and autonomy teams to ensure system-level performance

Ideal Background

• 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering preferably in robotics automotive or hardware startups
• Strong CAD experience designing both prototype and production-ready components
• Experience owning hardware systems through full development cycles
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining injection molding fabrication etc.)
• Experience evaluating supplier designs test plans and technical requirements
• Ability to collaborate effectively with external vendors and internal cross-functional teams
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics or related field
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced ambiguous startup environments
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance
• Ability to relocate to Phoenix AZ

Preferred

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics
• Experience designing ruggedized systems for off-road or defense applications
• Background working on autonomous vehicles robotics platforms or similar hardware systems
• Experience meeting or designing toward DoD or other high-reliability standards

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary equity
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems with real-world impact
• High ownership role with end-to-end hardware responsibility
• Fast-paced mission-driven environment with direct influence on product direction
• Exposure to complex multidisciplinary engineering challenges across robotics autonomy and hardware systems

This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanical engineer who wants full ownership over hardware systems and thrives building rugged real-world robotics products from the ground up.