Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Mechatronics

On-site Annandale, VA

Full-time Hands-on High-impact

We're engineering something never done before: a robotic system that navigates inside natural gas pipelines to apply an advanced internal coating using magnetron sputtering technology.

We're looking for a hands-on, inventive Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive the development of this system-taking it from concept through rapid prototyping to pilot deployment. This is a build-focused, high-responsibility role in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

• Design, prototype, and test complex robotic components and subsystems.
• Lead and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of mechatronics engineers.
• Develop mechanical solutions that integrate with custom electronics and software systems.
• Own key hardware milestones on the path to our MVP and beyond.
• Travel as needed for field testing and collaborations ( 1 week/month).
• Work in a dynamic hardware innovation space with access to top-tier tools and talent.

What We're Looking For

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Robotics (Ph.D. preferred).
• Strong background in robotics design, including structural, thermal, and motion systems.
• Proven experience in taking hardware from design to functional prototypes.
• Skilled at leading engineering efforts and collaborating across disciplines.
• Creative problem-solver with a bias for action and deep technical curiosity.
• Excellent communicator and independent contributor in a startup-style workflow.

Why Join

• Be part of an ambitious effort to build and scale breakthrough climate tech.
• Take ownership of complex mechanical challenges with real-world impact.
• Join a respectful, collaborative, and diverse team solving hard problems together.

This isn't a desk job-it's a builder's role. If you're ready to get your hands dirty, push mechanical boundaries, and make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.