Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Product Development

Austin, Texas | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a fast-growing robotics company developing advanced automation platforms that are transforming aerospace and defense manufacturing. This is an opportunity to lead the mechanical development of next-generation robotic systems designed to improve how complex aircraft structures are manufactured, maintained, and sustained. Rather than building one-off automation projects, the team is developing scalable robotic products that can be deployed across multiple customers and production environments. As the Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of these robotic platforms from concept through production. This role combines hands-on mechanical design with technical leadership, giving you the opportunity to influence engineering standards, mentor other engineers, and solve challenging problems involving robotic platforms, end effectors, precision mechanisms, and automated manufacturing equipment. You'll work directly alongside software, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and applications engineers to develop products that deliver measurable impact to aerospace and defense customers.

About Us

We are a venture-backed robotics company developing standardized automation systems for aerospace and defense manufacturing. Our products integrate robotics, motion control, software, sensing technologies, and precision mechanical engineering to automate highly technical manufacturing and sustainment operations. Our engineering organization is intentionally small, allowing every engineer to make meaningful technical contributions while working directly with company leadership. We move quickly, encourage ownership, and value engineers who enjoy solving difficult problems while helping build scalable products from the ground up.

Job Duties

• Lead the mechanical architecture and design of advanced robotic manufacturing systems.
• Own product development from concept generation through design, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, and customer deployment.
• Design robotic platforms, precision mechanisms, structural assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and end effectors.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions that improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Establish mechanical engineering standards, design methodologies, and best practices across the engineering organization.
• Mentor mechanical engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and day-to-day engineering leadership.
• Collaborate closely with controls, software, electrical, manufacturing, and applications engineering teams throughout product development.
• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack-ups, component selection, and detailed design reviews.
• Evaluate new materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies to improve future product generations.
• Support prototype builds, testing, root cause investigations, and design validation activities.
• Work directly with customers and internal stakeholders to translate operational requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Contribute to long-term product strategy and roadmap planning as the company expands its robotics platform portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of experience designing complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Strong background in robotics, industrial automation, precision machinery, or custom equipment design.
• Expert understanding of machine design principles, engineering mechanics, materials, and mechanical system integration.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Experience designing machined, welded, fabricated, and assembled mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Comfortable balancing technical leadership with hands-on engineering work.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing industrial robotic systems or autonomous robotic platforms.
• Aerospace manufacturing, aerospace automation, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Experience designing robotic tooling, end effectors, fixtures, or automated production equipment.
• Knowledge of servo-driven mechanisms, actuators, gearboxes, bearings, linear motion systems, and motion control hardware.
• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Familiarity with CATIA and Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Experience developing production-ready engineering documentation, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and manufacturing drawings.
• Experience supporting products through prototype development, testing, and production release.

Why Join Us

• Lead the mechanical development of advanced robotic platforms used in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
• Design scalable products intended for long-term deployment rather than one-off automation projects.
• Own major technical decisions from early concept development through customer deployment.
• Help establish engineering standards while mentoring and developing a growing mechanical engineering team.
• Work alongside experienced robotics, controls, software, electrical, manufacturing, and applications engineers.
• Join a rapidly growing company where engineers have direct access to leadership and meaningful influence over product direction.
• Solve challenging multidisciplinary engineering problems while helping define the future of industrial robotics.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000