About this opportunity
Bulwark Dynamics lists this Senior Mechanical Engineer Manager opportunity in northern, Kentucky. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
A full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area for a mid-to-senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle assembly, load dynamics, fabrication, and actuation. The role begins as soon as possible and is structured around a critical, high-stakes build sprint. Reporting directly to the CTO and managing a team of roughly five engineers, this person takes complete ownership of structural assemblies, actuation mechanisms, and the integration of electro-mechanical subsystems to bring our next 15-ft and 35–50-ft prototypes to life (hull hydrodynamics sits with the naval architect). It suits someone who thrives in early-stage, hardware-heavy environments such as aerospace, race cars, or autonomous vehicles.
Responsibilities
Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for the 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels.
End-to-end ownership: fully own structural components, mechanical assemblies, and vehicle-dynamics/actuation subsystems from CAD to deployment.
Rapid CAD-to-reality: use SolidWorks for detailed manufacturing designs, source materials, conduct fit checks, and iterate relentlessly based on structural testing.
Hands-on fabrication: perform machining, metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping directly on the shop floor.
Field deployment: integrate subsystems with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot on the fly, and operate as a core maritime crew member during ocean deployments and sea trials.
Manage and develop a team of ~5 engineers through a high-stakes build sprint.
Requirements
BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 6+ years of experience in vehicle dynamics, robotics, UAVs, or high-performance mechanical systems.
High proficiency in SolidWorks, with strong practical intuition for GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis.
Extensive hands-on fabrication experience: machining, prototype assembly, metalwork, and composites.
Proven ability to manage multiple rapid deadlines independently and own early-stage hardware from sketch to functional deployment.
This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person" (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).
Nice to Have
8+ years of hands-on R&D experience with vehicles or complex mechanical systems.
Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes from concept to deployed product.
Hydraulic actuator design and integration experience.
Composite design and fabrication knowledge.
Experience with vessel or off-road vehicle structural systems.
Operational experience working with deployed vehicles or maritime platforms.
This role is for you if
You're relentlessly hands-on — on the shop floor cutting, drilling, welding, and assembling, not just managing builds.
You design elegantly and build with speed, owning the work from initial CAD to the final physical product.
You translate ambiguous, high-level ideas into robust, functional assemblies using first-principles thinking.
You're driven to build critical technology and thrive in high-velocity, high-stakes environments.
This is NOT for you if
You prefer managing builds over being hands-on in the shop.
You need large-team infrastructure or well-defined processes to be effective.
You are not comfortable with rapid iteration, shifting priorities, or early-stage ambiguity.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.