Mechanical Engineer I

Who we are

Picogrid envisions a future where every system, from the smallest sensors to next-generation fighter jets, can collaborate autonomously to create a safer and more prosperous world for all.

Today, we are at the forefront of American defense technology, developing a unified platform that integrates fragmented technologies—such as sensors, cameras, radar, and drones—into sophisticated mission systems.

Our technology is deployed globally, supporting customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, CAL FIRE, PG&E, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and many others.

About this role

Picogrid is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about advancing the state of the art in defense. As a foundational member of Picogrid’s engineering team, you will work closely with our founders to define our core technology stack, engineering culture, and product roadmap.

In this role

• You will design, test, and deploy electromechanical systems to enable the deployment of autonomous sensor technology across the globe

• You will raise the bar for defense technology and set a new paradigm for how autonomous systems are designed and deployed

• You will NOT get bored, working across diverse engineering problems and eventually shaping your role as an individual contributor or manager

• You will work alongside top machine learning, hardware, and software engineers

Who you are

• You take extreme ownership and maintain a deep understanding of your hardware through detailed design, hardware bring-up/characterization/testing, requirements generation/verification, and by seeing your hardware through all aspects of its lifecycle

• You thrive in fast-paced environments with fluctuating requirements and blank-sheet designs

• You test and iterate on products to enable high-field reliability and performance in all environments and use cases

• You can refine prototypes into production systems with high-rate, high-yield, reliable manufacturing

Some types of experiences we’re especially excited to see

• 3+ years of professional experience designing and delivering production-ready mechanical systems

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or another engineering discipline

• You have a multidisciplinary background with an ability to work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, PCB layout, integration test, manufacturing, and deployment teams

• Active clearance or eligible to obtain clearance

• Experience (or interest in) building climate tech, defense tech, or related fields

Why join us?

Picogrid is a leading defense technology startup building hardware-software systems for public and private sector customers. We offer:

• Stock options with a high upside (early stage)

• Unlimited PTO and eleven paid holidays

• Full Health Coverage (medical, dental, and vision)

• Daily office-provided lunches and dinners

• Remote/hybrid-friendly work environment

• A one-time stipend of $500 to assist with expenses that come with setting up a home office

• Unique office in downtown El Segundo, CA, stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer

Interview Process

1. You apply

2. Quick intro call with founder

3. 1-hour technical screen with one of our engineers

4. 1-2 hour take-home project

5. Half-day onsite interviews

6. We make you an offer 🎉

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Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.