Mechanical Engineer

Albacore (YC S25) is hiring entrepreneurial, creative, motivated individuals to help us build a next-generation unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that can deter island invasions. The company was founded by serial entrepreneurs in defense and unmanned systems technology experts. We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer. This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in cross-functional teams and enjoy bringing complex mechanical systems to life from concept to test-ready platforms.

Albacore Mechanical Engineers will:

• Design and develop mechanical components and subsystems for UUV platforms
• Contribute to system-level architecture, component selection, and electromechanical integration
• Create 3D CAD models and generate detailed 2D drawings using appropriate GD&T standards
• Design and route wire harnesses, fluid systems, and mechanical packaging
• Collaborate closely with cross-discipline team members (electrical, software, etc.)
• Participate in hands-on prototyping, assembly, bring-up, and iterative test cycles
• Evaluate vendors, support low-volume fabrication, and help ramp designs for production
• Improve design reliability, documentation, and internal standards
• Help document technical decisions, participate in design reviews, and contribute to IP development

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Maritime Engineering, or related field
• 1–8 years designing and building electromechanical systems
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) — SolidWorks preferred
• Strong understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Ability to write and maintain clear, detailed documentation for design processes
• Strong grasp of first-principles engineering and practical design approach
• Enthusiastic about hands-on hardware assembly and testing
• U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with actuation systems (electrical, fluid-powered, etc.) and accompanying sensors
• Experienced with simulation and analysis methodology (FEA, MATLAB, etc.)
• Experience designing for harsh environments—high pressure, shock, vibration, thermal extremes—with familiarity of MIL-SPEC or naval standards
• Hands-on experience with a range of manufacturing methods from low-volume fabrication through high volume production
• Participation in competitive engineering teams or projects such as Formula SAE, RoboSub, FIRST Robotics, or similar