Mechanical Engineer

Company DescriptionBulwark 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 DescriptionThis 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.ResponsibilitiesDesign and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for a 15-ft and 35-ft vesselsPerform hands-on metalwork, composites, and rapid prototypingUse CAD (SolidWorks) to create detailed 2D/3D designs for manufacturingWork with suppliers and fabrication shops to source materials, components, and hardwareCollaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and payloadsConduct structural testing, fit checks, and iterative design improvementsSupport full prototype assembly, troubleshooting, and field deploymentContribute as a member of a maritime crew during field deploymentsEnsure mechanical systems meet durability, safety, and operational requirements in rugged environmentsManage work on multiple projects while meeting rapid deadlinesQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experienceStrong mechanical design skills, especially in structural and bracket designProficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks strongly preferred)Experience with welding, machining, fabrication, and prototype assemblyBackground in robotics, race cars, vehicles, UAVs, or similar mechanical systemsAbility to work independently in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environmentStrong problem-solving and practical engineering intuitionPreferred:Experience building early-stage hardware prototypesHydraulic actuator experienceExperience with vessel operationComposite design and fabrication knowledgeOperational Experience - working with deployed vehiclesKnowledge of marine or off-road vehicle structural systemsFamiliarity with GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis fundamentalsOperational Experience with VesselsWhat We're Looking ForSomeone hands-on — you will be cutting, drilling, welding, assemblingSomeone who builds fast, iterates fast, and owns their work end-to-endSomeone who likes working on vehiclesSomeone who can take a rough idea and turn it into a functional partSomeone who thrives in a startup environment and wants to build something meaningful