BD
Mechanical Engineer
Accepting applicationsBulwark Dynamics · Menlo Park, CA
Full-Time Entry aiaterf
Posted
1d ago
Category
Manufacturing
Experience
Entry
Country
United States
Company Description
Bulwark Dynamics is building the next generation of autonomous resupply vessels for defense and commercial maritime operations.
We are currently developing a 15-foot and 35-foot USVs engineered for rapid mission execution and rugged reliability in the field. Our work sits at the intersection of robotics, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. We move fast, build fast, and value engineers who are deeply hands-on.
Role Description
This is a full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area, CA for a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural fabrication, actuation, and prototype assembly.
You will report directly to our CTO, work with other engineers and technicians to help bring our 15-ft and 35-ft vessels to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves building real hardware, thrives in early-stage environments, and has experience in robotics, vehicles, race cars, or similar mechanical systems.
You will not be responsible for designing hull hydrodynamics — instead, you will focus on structural components, mounts, actuation, assemblies, and integration of mechanical subsystems.
Responsibilities
Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for a 15-ft and 35-ft vessels
Perform hands-on metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping
Use CAD (SolidWorks) to create detailed 2D/3D designs for manufacturing
Work with suppliers and fabrication shops to source materials, components, and hardware
Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads
Conduct structural testing, fit checks, and iterative design improvements
Support full prototype assembly, troubleshooting, and field deployment
Contribute as a member of a maritime crew during field deployments
Ensure mechanical systems meet durability, safety, and operational requirements in rugged environments
Manage work on multiple projects while meeting rapid deadlines
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experience
Strong mechanical design skills, especially in structural and bracket design
Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks strongly preferred)
Experience with welding, machining, fabrication, and prototype assembly
Background in robotics, race cars, vehicles, UAVs, or similar mechanical systems
Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environment
Strong problem-solving and practical engineering intuition
Preferred:
Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes
Hydraulic actuator experience
Experience with vessel operation
Composite design and fabrication knowledge
Operational Experience - working with deployed vehicles
Knowledge of marine or off-road vehicle structural systems
Familiarity with GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis fundamentals
Operational Experience with Vessels
What We're Looking For
Someone hands-on — you will be cutting, drilling, welding, assembling
Someone who builds fast, iterates fast, and owns their work end-to-end
Someone who likes working on vehicles
Someone who can take a rough idea and turn it into a functional part
Someone who thrives in a startup environment and wants to build something meaningful
Show more Show less
Bulwark Dynamics is building the next generation of autonomous resupply vessels for defense and commercial maritime operations.
We are currently developing a 15-foot and 35-foot USVs engineered for rapid mission execution and rugged reliability in the field. Our work sits at the intersection of robotics, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. We move fast, build fast, and value engineers who are deeply hands-on.
Role Description
This is a full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area, CA for a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural fabrication, actuation, and prototype assembly.
You will report directly to our CTO, work with other engineers and technicians to help bring our 15-ft and 35-ft vessels to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves building real hardware, thrives in early-stage environments, and has experience in robotics, vehicles, race cars, or similar mechanical systems.
You will not be responsible for designing hull hydrodynamics — instead, you will focus on structural components, mounts, actuation, assemblies, and integration of mechanical subsystems.
Responsibilities
Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for a 15-ft and 35-ft vessels
Perform hands-on metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping
Use CAD (SolidWorks) to create detailed 2D/3D designs for manufacturing
Work with suppliers and fabrication shops to source materials, components, and hardware
Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads
Conduct structural testing, fit checks, and iterative design improvements
Support full prototype assembly, troubleshooting, and field deployment
Contribute as a member of a maritime crew during field deployments
Ensure mechanical systems meet durability, safety, and operational requirements in rugged environments
Manage work on multiple projects while meeting rapid deadlines
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experience
Strong mechanical design skills, especially in structural and bracket design
Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks strongly preferred)
Experience with welding, machining, fabrication, and prototype assembly
Background in robotics, race cars, vehicles, UAVs, or similar mechanical systems
Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environment
Strong problem-solving and practical engineering intuition
Preferred:
Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes
Hydraulic actuator experience
Experience with vessel operation
Composite design and fabrication knowledge
Operational Experience - working with deployed vehicles
Knowledge of marine or off-road vehicle structural systems
Familiarity with GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis fundamentals
Operational Experience with Vessels
What We're Looking For
Someone hands-on — you will be cutting, drilling, welding, assembling
Someone who builds fast, iterates fast, and owns their work end-to-end
Someone who likes working on vehicles
Someone who can take a rough idea and turn it into a functional part
Someone who thrives in a startup environment and wants to build something meaningful
Show more Show less