JobsMechanical EngineerSan FranciscoPrincipal Mechanical Engineer
Clera
Posted 7 days ago · Jobs at Clera
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Clera · San Francisco, California, United States
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In short
The Principal Mechanical Engineer will lead the mechanical architecture and integration of autonomous directed-energy systems from prototype through production. This role involves hands-on design, technical decision-making, and mentoring engineering staff to ensure high-performance field deployment.
What they're looking for
MUST-HAVE SKILLS
ALSO MENTIONED
Candidates must have 10 or more years of experience in designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with a strong background in mechanical design and multidisciplinary integration. Proficiency in CAD, FEA, and experience in defense, aerospace, or robotics industries is required.
About the employer
Clera
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- INDUSTRY
- Technology, Information and Internet
- COMPANY
- Privately Held
- FOUNDED
- 2025
- HEADQUARTERS
- San Francisco
- SIZE
- 11-50
- OFFICES
- 3 on LinkedIn
- OPEN HERE
- 8 roles
KNOWN FOR
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Questions about this role
- Is this Clera role remote?
- Tagged on site.
- What does it pay?
- The posting lists $235,000–$305,000 a year.
- Does it sponsor visas?
- Listed as no visa sponsorship.
- What experience does it ask for?
- Listed as 10+ years.
The posting, in full
Join a small defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-drone applications. As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will guide full-system mechanical architecture and integration, bringing hardware from prototype through production and field deployment. Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
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About the Role
Join a small defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-drone applications. As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will guide full-system mechanical architecture and integration, bringing hardware from prototype through production and field deployment.
What You'll Do
- Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
- Make and guide technical decisions from concept through production readiness.
- Drive hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing.
- Review designs, calculations, and test results to surface risks and strengthen engineering standards.
- Perform hands-on design and problem-solving, including tradeoffs across cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance.
- Mentor engineers through technical collaboration and example.
What We're Looking For
- 10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with repeated experience taking products from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment.
- Mechanical design is your primary discipline, including hands-on CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
- Deep mechanical expertise and sound technical judgment in at least one adjacent area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
- Ability to correlate your own FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
- Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware company that shipped products.
- Defense, aerospace, robotics, high-performance automotive, maritime, or directed-energy experience is relevant. Experience with ruggedized systems, thermal management, gimbals, qualification standards, or manufacturing setup is valuable.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $235,000 to $305,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California.
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