This role offers the opportunity to take full ownership of hardware products from concept through deployment. The ideal candidate will combine strong engineering fundamentals, hands‑on prototyping expertise, and a passion for solving complex real‑world challenges.
Key Responsibilities
End‑to‑End Hardware Ownership
- Lead hardware development from initial concept through field deployment.
- Take technical ownership throughout the entire product lifecycle.
- Design innovative hardware solutions for demanding mission requirements.
- Develop products from a blank‑sheet concept using sound engineering principles.
- Perform analysis and testing to ensure products operate reliably in harsh environments.
- Work directly with end users to understand operational challenges.
- Translate user requirements into effective hardware solutions.
Prototyping & Development
- Build prototypes and first‑article hardware.
- Rapidly iterate designs based on testing and user feedback.
- Conduct hands‑on fabrication and validation activities.
Manufacturing & Production
- Refine designs for manufacturability and scalability.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to support production and deployment.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with multidisciplinary product teams.
- Contribute to a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and technical excellence.
Field Support
- Travel to field exercises and operational demonstrations.
- Support deployed systems and gather feedback to inform future improvements.
Required Qualifications
- 4 to 8 years of professional Mechanical Engineering experience.
- Proven experience designing, prototyping, and launching hardware products.
- Demonstrated ownership of engineering designs within a team environment.
- Strong understanding and application of engineering first principles.
- Proficiency in CAD software and creation of high‑quality engineering drawings.
- Hands‑on fabrication and prototype development experience.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- U.S. Person status required due to access to export‑controlled information and facilities.
- Ability and willingness to work primarily onsite in Costa Mesa, California.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
- Ability to integrate electronic components into mechanical systems, including motors, controllers, and sensors.
- Hands‑on experience with:
- Machining
- Composite materials
- 3D printing
- Knowledge of static, dynamic, and thermal analysis methods.
- Experience using ANSYS for engineering analysis.
- Active Top Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.