Mechanical Engineer

  • Washington - DC, VA
  • Posted 3 hours ago | Updated 3 hours ago

Overview

On Site
Full Time

Skills

Mechanical Engineer

Job Details



Founding Mechanical Engineer - USV Systems


Location: U.S.-based (with international travel)
Commitment: Full-time | Founding Team Role


About Us


We are a stealth-mode defense technology startup founded by former U.S. Navy leaders and early Samsara builders. Our mission is to redefine the future of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with scalable, military-grade systems designed for operational impact. We are building a team of mission-driven engineers to deliver cutting-edge prototypes and production-ready platforms at speed.


Role Overview


As the Founding Mechanical Engineer, you will own the design and integration of critical USV systems from propulsion and modular hull architecture to thermal performance and radar cross-section optimization. You will lead prototyping efforts, ensure end-user test readiness within tight timelines, and build scalable pipelines for manufacturing operations in Taiwan. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial engineer with a defense or marine background who thrives in a 0-1 environment.


Key Responsibilities




  • Lead design and optimization of hull structures, framing layouts, propulsion (jet drive systems), and sensor integration




  • Conduct thermal analysis, radar cross-section evaluations, and efficiency modeling to maximize range, speed, and survivability




  • Own prototype readiness from concept through build, test, and iteration




  • Collaborate with naval architects and cross-functional engineers to align designs with mission and operational requirements




  • Establish and manage scalable design-for-manufacturing pipelines, with production centered in Taiwan




  • Oversee budget allocation for engineering projects, balancing speed, cost, and innovation




  • Support on-site operations in Taiwan (up to two weeks per trip) to ensure successful scaling and production handoff




Qualifications




  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related discipline (Marine, Aerospace, or Automotive Engineering)




  • 7-12 years of experience leading mechanical engineering programs, ideally in marine, defense, or aerospace domains




  • Deep expertise with CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), CAE, and Python for modeling, simulation, and automation




  • Familiarity with military specifications, ITAR compliance, and defense sensor systems




  • Proven track record of building and testing systems in early-stage or high-growth environments (0?1)




  • Experience scaling manufacturing operations internationally, preferably in Asia




  • Strong hands-on prototyping skills and comfort with rapid iteration cycles




Preferred Background




  • U.S.-based candidates with operational experience or prior U.S. military service




  • Background in defense startups or dual-use technology companies




Compensation




  • Competitive base salary




  • Founding-level equity package




  • Performance bonus tied to engineering milestones



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