Mechanical Deisgn Engineer

Position: Mechanical Design Engineer – Product Development
Location: Leander, Texas/ North Austin, TX
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Office, 5x days/ week

Company Overview
NES Fircroft is proud to partner with an early-stage engineering and technology company, is seeking a highly capable Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of advanced hardware systems for high-reliability applications. Operating in a fast-paced startup environment, the organization emphasizes innovation, rapid iteration, and practical performance in real-world conditions. Based in Leander, TX, this is a full-time position with opportunity for advancement. 

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a highly technical Mechanical Design Engineer to design, build, test, and transition mechanical systems from concept through prototype and into production. This role requires full lifecycle ownership of hardware performance, reliability, and manufacturability in demanding operating environments. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced startup setting, demonstrate strong initiative, and possess the technical depth to develop robust mechanical systems that perform under real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Development

• Lead end-to-end mechanical design of components, mechanisms, and structures from concept through production
• Produce CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, and validation plans
• Design systems capable of reliable performance under real-world loads and environmental conditions

Prototyping & Iteration

• Rapidly prototype using in-house tools and external vendors
• Own the full iteration loop: CAD → fabrication → assembly → testing → revision
• Conduct failure analysis and implement design improvements based on test data

Mechanisms & System Integration

• Design and integrate linkages, gears, motors, actuators, and high-load assemblies
• Ensure mechanical systems function effectively within larger electro-mechanical systems

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute validation plans simulating real-world operating conditions
• Identify failure modes and implement corrective design actions
• Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and performance requirements

Design for Manufacturability & Production

• Apply DFM/DFA principles from initial design stages
• Collaborate with machinists, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure precision and scalability
• Support transition from prototype to low- and high-volume production

Procurement & Build Support

• Source materials, components, and fabrication partners
• Resolve supply chain and build challenges to maintain development velocity

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain engineering documentation, BOMs, revision control, and build procedures
• Capture lessons learned to improve reliability, safety, and development speed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Proven hands-on experience designing mechanical hardware from concept through prototype and production
• Strong CAD proficiency and working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
• Experience designing for real-world loads, reliability, and manufacturability
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• U.S. person status required to comply with ITAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-performance mechanical systems (e.g., aerospace, defense, robotics, UAVs, or similar)
• Background designing hardware that has been field-tested or deployed
• Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping tools
• Startup or small-team environment experience with broad ownership
• Familiarity with Onshape or willingness to adopt new CAD platforms

Why Join This Opportunity

• Equity participation — Opportunity to share in the company’s long-term success and value creation
• Accelerated career growth — Early-stage environment with clear pathways to expanded scope, leadership, and technical ownership
• Meaningful impact — Contribute to technologies designed to enhance safety, resilience, and operational effectiveness in real-world applications
• Voice and influence — Flat structure where ideas are heard, and engineers directly shape product direction and technical decisions
• Broad technical exposure — Ability to wear multiple hats and contribute beyond a narrow scope, accelerating skill development across design, testing, manufacturing, and deployment
• High ownership culture — Engineers maintain end-to-end responsibility, enabling faster learning cycles and tangible results
• Startup agility — Rapid iteration and decision-making without layers of bureaucracy

This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a fast-paced startup who is driving forward increasingly specialized and innovative solutions within the defense and automation industry. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without ongoing sponsorship or a visa. The successful applicant will receive competitive base salary, share options, and comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, 401K match, holidays/ PTO, and more. For more information on this opportunity or others, please contact Mishu Ventura.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.