Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Leander, TX (Onsite)
Compensation: $150,000 + Full Medical (100%), Dental (100%), Vision (100%)
ITAR Compliant Role – U.S. Persons Only
Mission of the Role (Commander’s Intent)
The company exists to equip the civilized world with superior and affordable defense technologies for modern asymmetric warfare.
The Mechanical Design Engineer exists to ensure that every mechanical system designed is not only innovative but survives real-world use. This role owns hardware from concept to field deployment. The mission is speed without recklessness. Innovation without ego. Execution without excuse.
You are not designing parts.
You are building capability for the warfighter.
Performance Objectives (What Success Looks Like)
Deliver Field-Ready Hardware
Design, prototype, test, and validate mechanical systems that move from CAD to operational deployment with measurable durability and performance.
Own the Full Lifecycle
Take responsibility from concept → calculations → GD&T → fabrication → testing → revision → production. No hand offs. No “someone else’s problem.”
Accelerate Iteration Without Compromising Safety
Move fast. Launch early. Improve quickly. Maintain reliability and compliance under real-world stress conditions.
Design for Manufacturability from Day One
Collaborate directly with machinists and manufacturing partners to ensure precision, repeatability, and scalability.
Lead Through Process Ownership
Identify technical problems, solve them, implement the solution, and train the team to sustain the improvement.
Operate with Startup Agility
Thrive in a 20-person high-growth environment where priorities shift and resources are constrained. Build the plane mid-flight and keep it flying.
What You Own
Mechanical integrity and structural performance
Mechanisms (linkages, gears, actuators, assemblies) under real load conditions
Iteration loop: CAD → build → test → refine
Supply chain problem-solving to keep builds moving
Documentation ensuring repeatable production
The outcome not just the task
If it touches metal, motion, load paths, or force you are accountable.
Alignment Statement
This role is aligned with Commander’s Intent because it places ownership, initiative, and mechanical excellence at the center of national defense capability. The right candidate will not just design systems they will elevate the team and accelerate mission impact.
Requirements
Required Capabilities
- Must have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Reserves, or U.S. National Guard.
Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering a must
Proven hands-on mechanical design experience
Strong CAD proficiency and GD&T expertise
Comfort operating independently in high-stakes environments
Resilience under pressure
Bias for action and extreme ownership mindset
Preferred Background
Weapons systems, UAVs, aerospace, or high-performance mechanisms
Additive manufacturing / 3D printing experience
Production-scale hardware design (not just prototypes)
Startup or small-team impact experience
Onshape experience (or willingness to transition)
Ideal Leadership Traits (Startup Fit Profile)
Wild West Systems is a 20-person early-stage defense startup. Cultural alignment is decisive.
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
Entrepreneurial Drive – Acts like an owner, not an employee.
Confidence Without Arrogance – Secure in capability; coachable under pressure.
Comfort with Ambiguity – Moves forward intelligently without perfect clarity.
Systems Thinking – Solves root problems, not surface symptoms.
Full-Cycle Accountability – Recognizes the problem, builds the solution, implements the fix, and trains the team.
Speed with Adaptability – Quick to market, fully aware iteration will follow.
This is not a “maintenance engineer” role.
This is a builder role.
Benefits
100% Health Coverage (Employee)
90% Health Coverage (Family/Spouse)
100% Dental & Vision
Competitive salary - $150,000 + equity
