Hardware Engineer

Swan; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Swan is seeking a hands-on Hardware or Mechatronics Engineer to join our team in San Francisco, supporting the design, build, and test of low-volume prototypes for autonomous systems. You will own designs from CAD through physical iteration, integrating sensors and developing wiring harnesses.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in mechanical engineering, strong CAD skills, and experience with PCBA integration, CNC machining, and 3D printing.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience focused on design and assembly.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (Solidworks, OnShape, Catia).
• Experience with PCBA integration, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and fabrication of wire harnesses and connector integration.
• Execute assembly and testing for low-volume sensing system prototypes.
• Select hardware components including contacts, wire types, shielding, and backshells.
• Develop comprehensive wiring diagrams and manage harness routing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical and software teams in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Mechanical design

Wiring harnesses

Sensor integration

CAD tools

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

OnShape

Catia

CNC machining

3D printing

PCB integration

Job description

About Us

Swan delivers the future of defense and industry through scalable autonomous products. Swan is backed by leading defense VCs including a16z's American Dynamism fund.

Role Overview

Swan is seeking a hands-on Hardware or Mechatronics Engineer to support our Pittsburgh team in designing, building, and testing low-volume prototypes. This role involves integrating sensors, developing wiring harnesses, and managing hardware integration for autonomous systems. The ideal candidate is a high-ownership self-starter comfortable owning designs from CAD through physical iteration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and fabrication of wire harnesses and connector integration.
• Execute assembly and testing for low-volume sensing system prototypes.
• Select hardware components including contacts, wire types, shielding, and backshells.
• Develop comprehensive wiring diagrams and manage harness routing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical and software teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience with a focus on design and assembly.
• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as Solidworks, OnShape, or Catia.
• Expertise in PCBA integration, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience with robotics, UAVs, or defense hardware systems.
• Background in mechatronics and sensor integration.

Location: San Francisco, CA