Mechanical Engineer

Sentradel; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sentradel, a defense startup in San Francisco, is seeking a mechanical engineer to develop next-generation counter-UAS platforms. You will redesign and optimize components to enhance performance and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has substantial experience in part design and 3D modeling in Fusion 360, and familiarity with CNC machining and additive manufacturing. This role is full-time and onsite, with opportunities for testing in Nevada and across the US.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with part design and 3D modelling in Fusion 360.
• Experience designing parts and machining them on a 3-axis CNC, primarily aluminum.
• Experience with additive manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of designs for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Redesign and optimize components to reduce manufacturing time, cost, and complexity.
• Design components for the next product generation.
• Create part and assembly designs in Fusion 360.
• Work closely with the manufacturing team to keep designs manufacturable.

Skills

Part design and 3D modelling in Fusion 360

Designing parts for machining on a 3-axis CNC

Additive manufacturing

Designs for manufacturability

Job description

About Sentradel

Over 90 percent of combat deaths in Ukraine are caused by small drones. In Colombia, over 100 military and police officers have been killed by cartel‑operated drones. Shahed drones hit civilian and military targets across the Middle East uncontested. Unjammable fiber optic and AI‑controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder to stop. The problem is here now and it is accelerating.

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low‑cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 and FPV drone threats. We have shot down dozens of drones in live‑fire testing. We have active Department of War research agreements, commercial partnerships, and sales with defense contractors.

How we work

Full time, in person at our San Francisco office. We also travel and test at our Nevada range, and across the US at demos with partners and customers.

Job Overview

We are seeking a mechanical engineer to join the team developing Sentradel’s next‑generation counter‑UAS platform. You will design the mechanical systems of the turret.

Responsibilities

• Redesign and optimize components on the current product generation to reduce manufacturing time, cost, and complexity
• Design components for the next product generation
• Create part and assembly designs in Fusion 360
• Work closely with the manufacturing team to keep designs manufacturable and iterate quickly

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with part design and 3D modelling in Fusion 360
• Experience designing parts and machining them on a 3‑axis CNC, primarily aluminum
• Experience with additive manufacturing
• Deep understanding of designs for manufacturability (CNC vs additive)