Senior Mechanical Engineer

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, development, and integration of critical mechanical systems for autonomous maritime platforms. You will head a team of five engineers while remaining hands-on in engineering, fabrication, and prototype development.

The role drives concepts from design through testing and deployment in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment, with experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of experience developing complex mechanical systems in aerospace/defense/robotics/autonomous systems.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident eligible to work in ITAR/EAR environments.
• Strong hands-on fabrication, machining, rapid prototyping experience.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept through fabrication and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of ~5 mechanical engineers while remaining hands-on in engineering and prototype development.
• Own structural assemblies, mechanical systems, and actuation subsystems from concept to deployment.
• Design and fabricate components for prototype autonomous maritime platforms.
• Develop 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks; perform fit checks and source materials.
• Conduct structural analysis and support fabrication, machining, and composites.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electro-mechanical systems.
• Support prototype builds, system integration, field testing, and vessel deployment.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D modeling

GD&T

DFM

Structural analysis

Team leadership

Hands-on engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of critical mechanical systems supporting next-generation autonomous maritime platforms. This role reports directly to the CTO and leads a team of approximately five engineers while remaining actively involved in hands-on engineering, fabrication, and prototype development. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, hardware-intensive environments and brings experience building complex systems from concept through testing and deployment. Candidates from aerospace, defense technology, robotics, autonomous systems, motor sports, and related industries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of approximately five mechanical engineers while remaining actively involved in hands-on engineering and prototype development.
• Own structural assemblies, mechanical systems, and actuation subsystems from concept, design, and analysis through fabrication, integration, testing, and deployment.
• Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for prototype autonomous maritime platforms.
• Develop detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks, perform fit checks, source materials, and drive rapid design iterations.
• Perform structural analysis and support the fabrication of mechanical systems, including machining, metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate electro-mechanical systems and troubleshoot complex technical challenges during build and test phases.
• Support prototype builds, system integration, field testing, and vessel deployment activities, including participation in critical build sprints and sea trials as needed.

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 a related field, with 6+ years of experience developing complex mechanical systems within aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, UAVs, or similar hardware-intensive industries.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including 3D modeling, GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, mechanical assembly, rapid prototyping, metalwork, and/or composite structures.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept through fabrication, integration, testing, and deployment in fast-paced development environments.
• Experience balancing hands-on engineering responsibilities with technical leadership, mentorship, or team management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and drive rapid execution against aggressive development timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on R&D experience developing vehicles, robotics, autonomous systems, or other complex mechanical platforms.
• Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes from concept through fielded or deployed systems.
• Background in actuator systems, including hydraulic actuator design and integration.
• Experience with composite design, manufacturing, and fabrication processes.
• Experience designing structural systems for vehicles, maritime platforms, off-road vehicles, aerospace systems, or similar hardware.
• Experience supporting field testing, prototype validation, vehicle deployments, or operational test environments.
• Previous experience in startup, defense technology, aerospace, autonomous vehicle, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.

Compensation

$160,000 - $215,000

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.