Mechanical Engineer

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and test advanced autonomous maritime systems from concept to deployment. You will contribute to mechanical design, fabrication, structural analysis, and prototype development with a hands-on startup team.

You will create 2D/3D designs in SolidWorks for manufacturing and testing, perform fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly, and collaborate with electrical and systems teams to integrate subsystems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong mechanical design experience with structural systems, brackets, assemblies, and prototype hardware.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with fabrication, machining, welding, and prototype development.
• Familiarity with structural analysis fundamentals and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced hardware startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and fabricate structural components, mechanical assemblies, and support hardware for autonomous maritime platforms.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D mechanical designs in SolidWorks, supporting manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.
• Perform hands-on fabrication, machining, prototype assembly, metalwork, and composite fabrication in a fast-paced development environment.
• Conduct structural testing, fit checks, root-cause analysis, and iterative design improvements to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to integrate sensors, actuators, payloads, and mechanical subsystems.
• Coordinate with suppliers and fabrication partners to source materials, components, and prototype hardware.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, field testing, and deployment activities, including participation in vessel integration and operational testing.
• Ensure mechanical systems meet safety, durability, and performance requirements in demanding operating environments.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while supporting aggressive development schedules.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

Fabrication

Prototype development

GD&T

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Machining

Welding

3D printing

Job description

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help design, build, and test advanced autonomous maritime systems. In this role, you will contribute to mechanical design, fabrication, structural analysis, and prototype development, working alongside a highly collaborative engineering team. This opportunity is ideal for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments and want to see their work rapidly progress from concept to real-world deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and fabricate structural components, mechanical assemblies, and support hardware for autonomous maritime platforms.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D mechanical designs in SolidWorks, supporting manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.
• Perform hands-on fabrication, machining, prototype assembly, metalwork, and composite fabrication in a fast-paced development environment.
• Conduct structural testing, fit checks, root-cause analysis, and iterative design improvements to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to integrate sensors, actuators, payloads, and mechanical subsystems.
• Coordinate with suppliers and fabrication partners to source materials, components, and prototype hardware.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, field testing, and deployment activities, including participation in vessel integration and operational testing.
• Ensure mechanical systems meet safety, durability, and performance requirements in demanding operating environments.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while supporting aggressive development schedules.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) eligible to work in an ITAR/EAR-regulated environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experience.
• Strong mechanical design experience with structural systems, brackets, assemblies, and prototype hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, including SolidWorks for 3D modeling and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with fabrication, machining, welding, mechanical assembly, and prototype development.
• Familiarity with structural analysis fundamentals and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Experience working with robotics, aerospace, autonomous systems, UAVs, vehicles, motorsports, or other complex mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, hardware-focused startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing early-stage hardware products from concept through testing and deployment.
• Background in hydraulic actuator design, integration, or motion-control systems.
• Experience with composite design, manufacturing, and fabrication processes.
• Experience designing or supporting structural systems for maritime platforms, vehicles, aerospace systems, or off-road equipment.
• Experience supporting prototype testing, field operations, vehicle deployment, or operational test environments.
• Knowledge of GD&T, DFM, tolerance stack-up analysis, and mechanical system integration.
• Previous experience in robotics, defense technology, aerospace, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, or startup environments.

Compensation:

Base salary of $130,000 - $160,000 (based on experience)

This job is part of LinkedIn’s Full-Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.