Founding Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer

SwellCycle Inc.; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering firm at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, where you'll play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge 3D printing technology. As a founding engineer, you will be responsible for designing and optimizing large-format printers and automation systems, contributing to a mission-driven team dedicated to reshaping the future of production. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with advanced materials and innovative manufacturing processes, making a tangible impact in the climate tech sector. If you're passionate about building real-world products and thrive in a collaborative environment, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Stock Options

401(k) Plan

Unlimited PTO

Daily Lunch Provided

Free SwellCycle Surfboard

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with mechanical, mechatronic, or robotics systems.
• Proficient in CAD and mechanical design, with knowledge of FEA.
• Experience in additive manufacturing and structural design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine large-format 3D printers and automation systems.
• Develop hardware/software integrations to enhance print quality.
• Run materials R&D across thermoplastics and fiber-reinforced polymers.

Skills

Mechanical Systems

Mechatronics

Robotics

3D Printing

CAD Design

Firmware Development

Python Automation

Additive Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

G-code

Klipper

OctoPrint

Job description

Founding Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer

Founding Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by SwellCycle Inc.. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$75,000.00/yr - $85,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Stock options

Location: Santa Cruz, CA (Onsite)

Company: SwellCycle

Stage: Seed-funded

Category: Advanced Manufacturing / 3D Printing / Climate Tech

About Us

SwellCycle is redefining sustainable manufacturing through large-format 3D printing and high-performance composites. Our first product—a recyclable surfboard core stronger and lighter than traditional foam—is just the beginning. Backed by Third Sphere and other leading climate investors, we’re building the future of microfactories: fast, flexible, and sustainable production systems for everything from water sports equipment to aerospace-grade structures.

We’re a small, ambitious team building a hardware and materials company from the ground up—and we’re looking for a founding engineer to join us.

What You’ll Do

You’ll own and help scale the core of our technology stack—from machines to materials to the objects they print.

• Design, prototype, and refine our large-format 3D printers and automation systems
• Develop hardware/software integrations that boost print speed, reliability, and surface quality
• Tune firmware and build internal tooling (e.g., print queue management, calibration routines)
• Optimize lattice structures and composites for strength, weight, and sustainability
• Run materials R&D across thermoplastics, resins, and fiber-reinforced polymers
• Collaborate with designers and shapers to translate concepts into repeatable, scalable products
• Build and refine process flows for our vertically integrated microfactory
• Establish quality control and failure analysis systems that scale with production

Who You Are

We’re looking for a hands-on, systems-minded builder who’s excited to work across disciplines and solve problems from first principles.

• Experienced with mechanical, mechatronic, or robotics systems—you understand motion control, sensors, and design for manufacturing
• You’ve built or modified 3D printers (Voron? CoreXY? Custom rigs? We want to hear about it)
• Comfortable working across hardware, software, and materials
• Strong in CAD and mechanical design—bonus if you’ve done FEA or simulation
• You’ve worked with slicers, G-code, and maybe even written firmware or Python automation scripts
• Bonus if you’ve touched Klipper, OctoPrint, or built your own PCB
• You’re deeply curious, self-directed, and motivated by building real-world products that matter
• Bonus if you have experience in additive manufacturing, composites, or structural design

Our Values

At SwellCycle, we don’t just build things—we build them the right way. We’re looking for teammates who:

• Obsess over customers – We wow, then we scale.
• Own everything – You have the conn.
• Share openly – Transparency builds trust.
• Evolve daily – Change every day, mostly for the better.
• Lead by serving – Our org chart is inverted; we serve the frontlines.
• Competitive equity package
• 401(k) plan
• Unlimited PTO
• Daily lunch provided
• Free SwellCycle surfboard
• Flexible work hours in a high-trust environment

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to build a venture-backed company from the earliest days. You'll work on cutting-edge hardware, software, and materials in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You’ll help shape our tech stack, company culture, and manufacturing future—not just as an engineer, but as a founding team member.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Manufacturing

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