Company Description
Bulwark Dynamics is building the next generation of autonomous resupply vessels for defense and commercial maritime operations.
We are currently developing a 15-foot prototype engineered for rapid mission execution and rugged reliability in the field. Our work sits at the intersection of robotics, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. We move fast, build fast, and value engineers who are deeply hands-on.
Role Description
This is a full-time, hybrid role in the Bay Area, CA for a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural fabrication, actuation, and prototype assembly. The role begins ASAP and is expected to run through November.
You will report directly to our CTO (former NASA Chief Engineer), work with other engineers and technicians to help bring our 15-ft prototype vessel to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves building real hardware, thrives in early-stage environments, and has experience in robotics, vehicles, race cars, or similar mechanical systems.
You will not be responsible for designing hull hydrodynamics — instead, you will focus on structural components, mounts, actuation, assemblies, and integration of mechanical subsystems.
Responsibilities
- Design and fabricate structural components, mounting brackets, and mechanical assemblies for a 15-ft prototype vessel
- Perform hands-on metalwork, composites, and rapid prototyping
- Use CAD (SolidWorks) to create detailed 2D/3D designs for manufacturing
- Work with suppliers and fabrication shops to source materials, components, and hardware
- Collaborate with electrical, autonomy, and systems teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads
- Conduct structural testing, fit checks, and iterative design improvements
- Support full prototype assembly, troubleshooting, and field deployment
- Contribute as a member of a maritime crew during field deployments
- Ensure mechanical systems meet durability, safety, and operational requirements in rugged environments
- Manage work on multiple projects while meeting rapid deadlines
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on engineering experience
- Strong mechanical design skills, especially in structural and bracket design
- Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks strongly preferred)
- Experience with welding, machining, fabrication, and prototype assembly
- Background in robotics, race cars, vehicles, UAVs, or similar mechanical systems
- Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environment
- Strong problem-solving and practical engineering intuition
Preferred:
- Experience building early-stage hardware prototypes
- Hydraulic actuator experience
- Experience with vessel operation
- Composite design and fabrication knowledge
- Operational Experience - working with deployed vehicles
- Knowledge of marine or off-road vehicle structural systems
- Familiarity with GD&T, DFM, and structural analysis fundamentals
- Operational Experience with Vessels
What We're Looking For
- Someone hands-on — you will be cutting, drilling, welding, assembling
- Someone who builds fast, iterates fast, and owns their work end-to-end
- Someone who likes working on vehicles
- Someone who can take a rough idea and turn it into a functional part
- Someone who thrives in a startup environment and wants to build something meaningful
