Automation Mechanical Engineer – Design & Build

Deterrence; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock options

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Deterrence Defense, Inc. is seeking Mechanical Engineers to design and develop automated manufacturing equipment from concept through commissioning. This role owns mechanical system architecture, create detailed designs, manage vendors, and oversee testing for assigned equipment.

The company hires multiple engineers across levels; roles require hands-on experience taking custom machinery from CAD to a running production line, with collaboration across controls, robotics, and software teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience: 2+ years (Senior 5+ years, Staff 7+ years) in mechanical design of production or automation equipment.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and commissioning manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and machine safety systems.
• Ability to read and produce mechanical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Staff: owns equipment architecture for a program, leads vendor and design reviews, and mentors engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of automation equipment: layouts, frames, motion systems, tooling, fixturing, material handling, and interfaces.
• Develop equipment architecture and define performance metrics such as cycle time, precision, load capacity, and scalability.
• Produce detailed 3D models, drawings, and BOMs in SolidWorks; apply GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Perform structural, thermal, and fluid analysis; conduct DFMEA/DFM.
• Translate requirements into technical specifications for custom and off-the-shelf equipment; evaluate vendors and lead design reviews.
• Collaborate with controls, robotics, and software teams on integrated system development.
• Support build and assembly; lead FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical issues to root cause and drive design corrections.
• Maintain design documentation, change control, and spares definitions.

Skills

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

FEA

Robotics

GD&T

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA software

Job description

Deterrence Defense, Inc. is seeking Mechanical Engineers to design and develop automated manufacturing equipment from concept through commissioning. This role owns mechanical system architecture, create detailed designs, manage vendors, and oversee testing for assigned equipment.

The company hires multiple engineers across levels; roles require hands-on experience taking custom machinery from CAD to a running production line, with collaboration across controls, robotics, and software teams.