Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical EngineerLocation: Berlin (Onsite)About UsWe are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our team develops mission-critical systems that combine hardware, software, and sensing to operate reliably in complex real-world environments.As an early-stage company, we work in stealth mode and place a strong emphasis on engineering rigor, operational credibility, and disciplined system design.Role OverviewWe are seeking a senior-level Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, simulation, prototyping, and validation of the vehicle-mounted optical payload at the core of our Counter-UAV (C-UAV) platform.You will own the mechanical architecture of a highly ruggedized system that integrates precision optics, sensing, and laser technologies into a deployable field platform. Your responsibility will be to develop designs from first principles, optimize them through simulation and testing, and rapidly iterate toward a field-ready product.This role requires deep expertise in designing hardware for harsh operating environments, with particular focus on shock, vibration, thermal management, structural integrity, and packaging efficiency. You will work across the full hardware lifecycle—from initial concept and supplier engagement to prototype validation and field deployment.Success in this role means delivering robust, manufacturable designs at startup speed while maintaining the performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical defense systems.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn the complete mechanical development lifecycle, from concept generation and SolidWorks CAD design through prototype validation and field deployment.Perform structural, thermal, and topology optimization studies using simulation tools to improve stiffness, survivability, weight, and packaging efficiency.Manage external suppliers, machine shops, and manufacturing partners to ensure rapid and high-quality prototype delivery.Additional ResponsibilitiesOwn the complete mechanical development of a vehicle-mounted optical payload, from concept generation through field deployment.Perform advanced structural, thermal, and topology optimization studies to maximize stiffness, survivability, and weight efficiency.Manage external suppliers, machine shops, and manufacturing partners to ensure rapid and high-quality prototype delivery.Drive design decisions balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, and deployment requirements.Lead root-cause investigations during prototype and field testing, rapidly translating findings into improved designs.Additional Preferred QualificationsExperience designing vehicle-mounted, stabilized, or mobile sensor payloads.Expertise in topology optimization and simulation-driven design methodologies.Experience managing prototype fabrication vendors, contract manufacturers, or machine shops.Familiarity with precision optical, electro-optical, or laser-based systems.Required Qualifications6+ years of professional experience designing complex hardware systems exposed to harsh operational environments.Expert-level proficiency with SolidWorks, including complex assemblies, drawings, GD&T, and simulation-driven design workflows.Experience performing structural and thermal analysis and correlating simulation results with physical testing.Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through prototype and field validation.Preferred QualificationsExperience designing vehicle-mounted payloads, stabilized platforms, optical systems, or electro-optical assemblies.Experience with topology optimization and simulation-led mechanical design.Experience managing suppliers, machine shops, and prototype manufacturing partners.Familiarity with optical payload integration and maintaining precision alignment under shock, vibration, and thermal loading.What We OfferCompetitive salaryVSOP / equity participationCentral Berlin officeExtreme growth opportunity in a fast-scaling startupHoliday AllowanceMonthly VoucherPublic Transportation Subsidies Who You AreHands-on and resourceful: You design, build, test, and improve hardware yourselfFast and iterative: You’re comfortable learning from prototypes and field feedbackDetail-oriented: You care about tolerances, simulations, and validation qualityCross-functional: You understand how mechanical design impacts the full systemMission-aligned: You’re motivated by building reliable, real-world defense systems