JobsMechanical EngineerSan FranciscoPrincipal Mechanical Engineer
Clera
Posted 4 days ago · Jobs at Clera
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Clera · San Francisco, California, United States
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In short
Lead the mechanical architecture and integration of complex autonomous directed-energy systems from prototype through production. Oversee hardware release processes, mentor engineering staff, and ensure high standards for reliability and performance.
What they're looking for
MUST-HAVE SKILLS
ALSO MENTIONED
Requires 10+ years of experience in designing and shipping complex hardware systems with a focus on mechanical engineering. Candidates must possess deep expertise in CAD, structures, and system integration, with a background in defense, aerospace, or robotics.
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
- 4 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 own system-wide mechanical architecture and help take complex hardware from prototype through production and field deployment. Lead mechanical architecture and integration across electrical, power, embedded, and optics 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 own system-wide mechanical architecture and help take complex hardware from prototype through production and field deployment.
What You'll Do
- Lead mechanical architecture and integration across electrical, power, embedded, and optics subsystems.
- Make technical decisions on challenging hardware problems from concept through production readiness.
- Guide hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing teams.
- Review designs, calculations, and test results to identify risks early and maintain high engineering standards.
- Personally execute mechanical design work when your experience can resolve a problem quickly.
- Balance cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance in design and manufacturing decisions.
- Mentor engineers through hands-on technical leadership and design reviews.
What We're Looking For
- 10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, including multiple transitions from prototype through manufacturing and deployment.
- Mechanical engineering is your primary discipline, with recent hands-on experience in CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
- Deep mechanical expertise and sound judgment in at least one additional area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
- Experience leading full-system hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
- Ability to correlate FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
- Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware organization that shipped products.
- Experience in defense hardware, aerospace, robotics, high-performance automotive, maritime, or a related field is valuable. Directed energy, laser or high-power systems, thermal management, ruggedized equipment, and manufacturing scale-up experience are also relevant.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $235,000 to $305,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California, United States.
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