Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Louisville, CO

Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

Stratom, Inc. is a mission‑driven engineering company building autonomous and unmanned off‑highway vehicles and related robotic systems. Our systems operate in demanding real‑world environments, where performance, reliability, and engineering discipline are essential. Integrating advanced autonomy with rugged industrial hardware for austere conditions.

Our work spans the full lifecycle of complex systems, from early concept and prototyping through fielded deployment. With multiple working prototypes in hand, our next major opportunity is transitioning these platforms into production over the coming years to deliver capable systems at scale. We are looking for talented and experienced engineers who want to take ownership of hard problems and play a key role in bringing multiple platforms into production.

About the Role

This role is intended for a senior mechanical engineer who is comfortable operating across concept development, detailed design, hands‑on build, and production transition. You will work on rugged robotic and ground vehicle systems where mechanical design decisions directly impact system performance, reliability, manufacturability, and field supportability.

The successful candidate will take ownership of mechanical subsystems from early trade studies through prototype build, testing, refinement and eventual production release. This includes designing components and assemblies, supporting fabrication and assembly, resolving integration issues, and collaborating closely with electrical, software and systems engineers. As Stratom transitions multiple platforms from prototype to production, this role will play a key part in shaping designs that are not only functional, but repeatable, supportable and suitable for deployment at scale.

We recognize that no single candidate will bring expertise across every domain listed below. We are primarily looking for engineers with strong fundamentals, sound engineering judgement and the ability to contribute meaningfully across multiple areas while continuing to grow into others.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

General Design: Competency developing:

• Simplest form of functional designs
• Sheet metal structures
• Welded structures
• Machined components from billet materials
• Selection of discrete hardware such as roller bearings, O‑rings, fasteners, etc.
• Designs optimized for prototyping or production as project requires.
• Specification, analysis and selection of hydraulic components, including motors, pumps, cylinders, valves, plumbing, etc.

Ground Vehicle Design: Competency developing:

• Light‑weight, high‑strength chassis structures
• Specifications for and integrating motive power sources, such as diesel/gasoline engines, electric motors/generators, etc.
• Specifications for and integrating power transmission components, mechanical and/or hydraulic

Materials: Ability to select appropriate:

• Base materials, including, but not limited to, steels, aluminums, and plastics
• Heat treatments for strength, ductility and fatigue resistance
• Finishes and coatings for outdoor and corrosion‑prone environments

SolidWorks CAD modeling and drafting: Competency:

• Translating concepts to functional 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Analyzing tolerance stack up of assemblies.
• Generating GD&T for fabrication, inspection and fixturing of components.
• Generating weld callouts.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Competency:

• Selecting representative restraint systems.
• Understanding design load scenarios and translating them to computer model loading.
• Incorporating factor‑of‑safety and fatigue concerns appropriate to design and loading scenarios.
• Simplifying models for FEA.
• Structuring multi‑body models with proper mates/connections.

Assembly: Competency:

• Using basic hand tools.
• Assembling components in a professional manner.
• Inspecting parts against an engineering drawing, using standard tools of the trade, including, but not limited to: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.
• Reworking or specifying rework of non‑conforming components.
• Soldering.
• Reading and wiring from a schematic.
• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.

Testing and Validation: Competency:

• Writing performance requirements.
• Developing test plans.
• Executing and documenting testing of prototype equipment.

Preferred Technical Competencies:

• Ability to conceptualize architecture of ground vehicle and robotic arm systems.
• Design of casted and/or forged components.
• Design of thermal management systems for machinery and electronics.
• Design for EMI mitigation.
• Design of electrical enclosures.
• Architecture of control systems and specifications of components.
• Schematic creation and documentation.
• Design of cable harnesses and routing.
• Advanced sensor selection for autonomy.
• Program management, including requirements generation, risk management, customer interactions and report writing.
• Component fabrication using mills, lathes, welders, press brakes, grinders, drills, etc.
• Procurement and vendor selection and qualification.

Required Soft Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ownership of duties.
• Innovative.
• Critical thinker.
• Self‑managed.
• Contributes to an excellent work environment.

Additional Requirements:

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non‑U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export‑restricted information. The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. “Green Card Holder”), Political Asylee, or Refugee. While a DoD Security Clearance is not required when starting at Stratom, we require our employees maintain their eligibility to obtain one.

Benefits

At Stratom, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full‑time team members. This package includes health insurance, life and AD&D insurance, a retirement investment plan, annual paid time off, and holiday pay.

Stratom is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

An Ideal Workplace:

Located in the vibrant state of Colorado, Stratom provides an exceptional work environment surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and a thriving tech industry. Colorado offers an ideal setting for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle, combining exciting career opportunities with ample recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors. Join us at Stratom, where you can experience the perfect blend of innovative work and an exceptional quality of life.