Our partner is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join the core team and help lead the design, development, and execution of hardware systems across new ventures.
This is a hands-on, 0→1 role. You'll work across multiple projects, often at the earliest stages, helping define system architecture, build prototypes, and bring products from concept into the real world. You'll operate as both a technical leader and a builder, working closely with founders, engineers, and operators.
If you've built complex hardware systems in fast-moving environments and enjoy turning ideas into working products, this role will feel familiar.
What you'll do
- Lead mechanical design and development across early-stage hardware programs
- Own projects from concept through prototyping, testing, and early production
- Define system architecture and make key design decisions around structure, materials, thermal performance, and manufacturability
- Build and iterate quickly, hands-on with prototyping, testing, and debugging
- Work cross-functionally with electrical, software, and product teams to ensure tight system integration
- Partner directly with founders and leadership on technical direction and execution
- Establish early engineering processes, tooling, and best practices as companies scale
- Mentor and guide other engineers as teams grow
What we're looking for
- 8–15+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in hardware-heavy environments (robotics, aerospace, automotive, energy, or similar)
- Proven track record of building and shipping real-world systems
- Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
- Deep understanding of materials, structural design, thermal systems, and manufacturing processes
- Comfortable working across the full lifecycle, from early concepts to production
- Experience operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Strong ownership mindset and ability to operate independently
Nice to have
- Experience in early-stage or venture-backed environments
- Background in drones, robotics, or autonomous systems
- Exposure to high-performance or lightweight structures
- Experience with vendor management and manufacturing scale-up
Why this role
- Work on multiple 0→1 companies, not just a single product
- High ownership and direct impact on company formation
- Small, highly technical team
- Opportunity to shape both product and engineering culture from day one
Job Title and Compensation
- The compensation range for this position is between $180,000 and $280,000, based on full-time employment.
- Actual salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and work location.
- Open positions are based on job competencies that are specific to each role. If you are offered a position, the job title may be different from what is advertised to align with the role's competencies and your specific background, experience, and interview results.