Senior Mechanical Engineer – Be a Founding Engineer at a Fast-Growing, Deep-Tech Startup!

Opportunity Summary

Join a venture-backed company developing next-gen autonomous drilling systems that will revolutionize global resource discovery. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll help lead the development of advanced structural, hydraulic, and mechanical systems that form the foundation of our core technology. If you're passionate about hardware innovation and eager to design rugged machines for real-world impact, this is your chance to build something from the ground up. You'll take ownership from concept through field deployment, with unmatched growth potential, technical freedom, and direct collaboration with world-class engineers and operators.

About Us

We’re a rapidly growing pre-seed startup based in Los Angeles on a mission to transform how the world discovers and accesses raw materials. Our platform integrates advanced robotics, automated drilling systems, and real-time analytics to optimize field exploration and unlock new efficiencies in the resource sector. Backed by top-tier investors and driven by a founding team with deep industry and technical experience, we’re setting the stage for a major leap forward in industrial automation.

Job Duties

• Lead the design, prototyping, and refinement of complex mechanical systems including structural frames, actuation mechanisms, and hydraulic subsystems.
• Collaborate closely with electrical and software teams to integrate mechanical components into fully autonomous platforms.
• Perform FEA, stress testing, and mechanical simulations to validate design choices under extreme operational conditions.
• Own the testing and iteration cycle—define testing protocols, execute on subsystem validation, and lead real-world deployment trials.
• Continuously improve system performance, weight, manufacturability, and cost through iterative development.
• Produce thorough documentation covering test data, design decisions, and improvement plans.
• Participate in on-site field evaluations and work directly with operators to identify pain points and drive real-time improvements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy machinery, robotics, autonomous systems, or industrial equipment.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of structural design, hydraulics, and mechanical actuation.
• Demonstrated use of simulation and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for mechanical analysis.
• Familiarity with materials, tolerancing, and high-volume or low-volume manufacturing methods.
• Proven ability to move fast and iterate in early-stage environments with incomplete data and evolving requirements.
• Experience with hardware field testing, rugged environments, and performance debugging.

Preferred Experience

• Background in industrial automation, heavy construction equipment, aerospace systems, or similar ruggedized tech.
• Prior ownership of a mechanical subsystem from concept through launch.
• Hands-on experience working directly with field operators, end-users, or customers.
• Demonstrated leadership or mentoring in a small engineering team setting.
• Passion for cross-functional collaboration and building systems that are practical, maintainable, and user-driven.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to build and possibly start your own company in the future.

Why Join Us?

• Ground-floor opportunity at a venture-backed company
• High autonomy and ownership with the chance to build a team around you
• Opportunity to work with some of the most innovative minds in hardware and automation
• Frequent field travel to test and deploy real machines in real conditions
• Generous equity options
• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental & vision insurance

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $180,000 plus equity