Lead Mechanical Engineer - Hands-On Marine Prototyping

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a mid-to-senior Mechanical Engineer to own structural assemblies, actuation subsystems, and integration of electro-mechanical components for 15-ft and 35–50-ft prototypes in a Bay Area hybrid setting.

The role requires hands-on fabrication, CAD-driven design, and leadership of a small team through fast-paced build sprints, with involvement in field deployments and sea trials. Prior aerospace/race or autonomous vehicles experience is valued.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years in vehicle dynamics or high-performance systems.
• Proven hands-on fabrication experience and CAD-to-deploy expertise.
• Ability to meet export-control requirements (ITAR/EAR) as a U.S. person if required.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for prototypes.
• End-to-end ownership: own structural components, mechanical assemblies, and actuation subsystems from CAD to deployment.
• Rapid CAD-to-reality: use SolidWorks for detailed manufacturing designs and iterate based on testing.
• Hands-on fabrication: machining, metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping on the shop floor.
• Field deployment: integrate subsystems with cross-functional teams during ocean deployments and sea trials.
• Manage and develop a team of ~5 engineers through high-stakes build sprint.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

DFM

structural analysis

machining

composites

vehicle dynamics

team leadership

export control compliance

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

A full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area for a mid-to-senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle assembly, load dynamics, fabrication, and actuation. The role begins as soon as possible and is structured around a critical, high-stakes build sprint. Reporting directly to the CTO and managing a team of roughly five engineers, this person takes complete ownership of structural assemblies, actuation mechanisms, and the integration of electro-mechanical subsystems to bring our next 15-ft and 35–50-ft prototypes to life (hull hydrodynamics sits with the naval architect). It suits someone who thrives in early-stage, hardware-heavy environments such as aerospace, race cars, or autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for the 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels.
• End-to-end ownership: fully own structural components, mechanical assemblies, and vehicle-dynamics/actuation subsystems from CAD to deployment.
• Rapid CAD-to-reality: use SolidWorks for detailed manufacturing designs, source materials, conduct fit checks, and iterate relentlessly based on structural testing.
• Hands-on fabrication: perform machining, metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping directly on the shop floor.
• Field deployment: integrate subsystems with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot on the fly, and operate as a core maritime crew member during ocean deployments and sea trials.
• Manage and develop a team of ~5 engineers through a high-stakes build sprint.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 6+ years of experience in vehicle dynamics, robotics, UAVs, or high-performance mechanical systems.
• High proficiency in SolidWorks, with strong practical intuition for GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis.
• Extensive hands-on fabrication experience: machining, prototype assembly, metalwork, and composites.
• Proven ability to manage multiple rapid deadlines independently and own early-stage hardware from sketch to functional deployment.
• This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person" (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).

Nice to Have

• 8+ years of hands-on R&D experience with vehicles or complex mechanical systems.
• Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes from concept to deployed product.
• Hydraulic actuator design and integration experience.
• Composite design and fabrication knowledge.
• Experience with vessel or off-road vehicle structural systems.
• Operational experience working with deployed vehicles or maritime platforms.

This role is for you if

• ✓ You're relentlessly hands-on — on the shop floor cutting, drilling, welding, and assembling, not just managing builds.
• ✓ You design elegantly and build with speed, owning the work from initial CAD to the final physical product.
• ✓ You translate ambiguous, high-level ideas into robust, functional assemblies using first-principles thinking.
• ✓ You're driven to build critical technology and thrive in high-velocity, high-stakes environments.

This is NOT for you if

• × You prefer managing builds over being hands-on in the shop.
• × You need large-team infrastructure or well-defined processes to be effective.
• × You are not comfortable with rapid iteration, shifting priorities, or early-stage ambiguity.
• Base pay: $150,000 – $215,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Equity: significant early-stage stock options.
• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

The range above reflects the anticipated base pay for this role. Actual compensation will depend on your experience, qualifications, skills, and work location, and does not include equity or benefits. This posting complies with applicable state and local pay-transparency requirements.

Equal Opportunity & Background Checks

Bulwark Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check. By submitting an application, you acknowledge and agree that, if you receive a conditional offer, Bulwark Dynamics may conduct a background check in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any such check will be conducted only after separate written disclosure and with your prior written authorization, which will be requested at the offer stage.

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