Forward-Deployed Mechanical Engineer

About us

We’re a stealth startup building AI and robotics systems for manufacturing. We work directly with factory teams to understand their operations, identify opportunities, and build solutions that improve how work gets done. Our work spans software, sensing, simulation, and physical automation. You’ll join a small team and help shape both the product and how we deploy it.

The role

We’re looking for a mechanical engineer who wants to take ideas from a sketch to working hardware. You’ll help build the physical components that make automation useful, repeatable, and maintainable in manufacturing environments.

You’ll:

• Learn how operators handle parts, use tooling, and interact with equipment.
• Design fixtures, mechanisms, mounts, and end effectors for selected applications.
• Prototype, source, assemble, and refine hardware with the team and suppliers.
• Test designs under realistic conditions and support installation and commissioning.

This role suits someone who enjoys CAD, fabrication, assembly, and hands-on iteration. We welcome candidates whose experience comes from coursework, clubs, independent builds, or personal projects.

Who we’re looking for

No prior professional or industry experience is required. We welcome candidates with 0–3 years of experience, including recent graduates and self-taught builders. We care about curiosity, initiative, sound judgment, and how quickly you can learn and build.

You should be AI-native and extremely comfortable using tools like Claude and Codex throughout your daily work. That includes learning unfamiliar systems, developing ideas, writing and debugging software, troubleshooting, and documenting your work. You should be comfortable checking their output, testing what you build, and explaining your decisions.

Details

• Employment: Full-time.
• Location: San Francisco or New York.
• Travel: Up to 100%, depending on deployment needs.
• Compensation: $120,000–$180,000 annual base salary, plus competitive equity and benefits.
• To apply: Submit your résumé and a cover letter or short note explaining why you want the role.