{bc}
Apply
gem

Founding Mechanical Engineer

Strata
Sunnyvale, USA
Full-time
Mid Level
Onsite
USD 120000-200000 yearly
Discovered 1 weeks ago
Free

Job Fit Check

Base Career helps you apply smarter for this job.

?%
Ready to Scan
Smart Apply

Full Job Posting

Key Responsibilities

  • Own subsystems end-to-end — from concept, sizing, and analysis through drawings, vendor sourcing, build, test, and field deployment — working closely with the CTO, and founding electromechanical team.
  • Define and satisfy mechanical requirements for a robot that operates in rugged, dirty, hazardous environments and carries multi-ton loads.
  • Perform first-principles hand calculations and finite element analysis to size structures, mechanisms, and hydraulic components (cylinders, valves, pumps) under real-world loading.
  • Run motion studies, interference/clearance checks, load path analysis, and tolerance stack-ups to validate design intent before parts are cut.
  • Apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles, and stay hands-on through first builds to catch and fix issues early.
  • Partner with external vendors and manufacturers to source parts, manage quotes and purchase orders, and build out early supply chain relationships.
  • Create manufacturing, welding, and assembly drawings using GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
  • Develop and execute hardware test plans spanning functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
  • Define hardware success criteria with customers and support the robot through pilot deployment in the field.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 3+ years designing, building, and testing complex hardware systems.

Preferred Skills And Experience

  • Experience with rugged, high-payload hardware — heavy equipment, off-road vehicles, aerospace structures, or industrial machinery.
  • Hands-on experience with hydraulic or fluid power systems (cylinders, valves, pumps, manifolds).
  • Proficiency in CAD and GD&T; experience with Siemens NX preferred.
  • Strong grounding in hand calculations and FEA, with the judgment to know when each is warranted.
  • Personal experience physically manufacturing hardware (machining, fabrication, welding, soldering, assembly, etc.).
  • Track record of writing and executing system test plans efficiently within fast-paced development timelines.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment with high ownership and fast iteration.

Apply for this job in 1 click

Skip the repetitive application forms

Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.

Sarah M.James T.Maya R.

Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career

Start Free Today

More from this employer

More jobs at Strata

HR Generalist

London, GBR

Discovered 2 days agoFull-time

Founding Autonomy Engineer

Sunnyvale, USA

Discovered 1 weeks agoFull-time

Mechanical Engineer Intern - Mechanism and Structures Design (Fall 2026)

Sunnyvale, USA

Discovered 1 weeks agoFull Time, Internship

Programme Management / PMO SME, Aladdin Transformation

, USA

Discovered 1 weeks agoFull-time

Travel Planner Specialist

, GBR

Discovered 1 weeks agoFull-time

Project Manager - Pharma (6-12 month Fixed Term Contract)

London, GBR

Discovered 2 weeks agoContract

Senior Project Manager - Pharma

London, GBR

Discovered 2 weeks agoFull-time

Executive Producer (Events)

London, GBR

Discovered 2 weeks agoFull-time