Product Design Engineer
Snap Inc.
Mechanical Engineer – Mission Modules
Forterra
full-time
Posted on:
Location: 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $125,000 - $160,000 per year
Job Level
Mid-LevelSenior
Tech Stack
Assembly
About the role
- Own the end-to-end mechanical design and integration of mission payloads into Forterra’s autonomy platform
- Design and package mechanical subsystems, including enclosures, mounts, thermal structures, and interfaces for ruggedized payload integration
- Create and manage detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks, Creo, or similar tools
- Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analysis (FEA/CFD) to ensure performance under operational and environmental loads
- Integrate mission-critical payloads—such as sensors, optics, and RF systems—into vehicle platforms with attention to mechanical, thermal, and access constraints
- Lead mechanical integration for subsystems involving hydraulic and pneumatic components
- Drive rapid prototyping and iterative development using additive manufacturing and hands-on assembly
- Ensure manufacturability, maintainability, and compliance with MIL-STD-810 and other relevant standards
- Collaborate cross-functionally and with external vendors to define and validate mechanical interfaces and system requirements
- Support field integration, testing, and troubleshooting across lab, range, and operational environments
- Participate in test campaigns, user feedback sessions, and system sustainment efforts
- Work closely with cross-functional teams—including electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering—as well as with government stakeholders and external subsystem partners
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and integration for autonomous systems, defense platforms, or robotics
- Deep proficiency in CAD modeling and mechanical drafting (Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)
- Hands-on experience with structural, thermal, and shock/vibe simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL)
- Proven ability to design rugged systems meeting constraints for sealing, shock, vibration, and heat dissipation
- Knowledge of vehicle systems, especially hydraulic and pneumatic subsystem integration
- Strong capability in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing workflows
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-882, and other defense-relevant environmental and safety standards
- Experience with DFM/DFA principles and quick-turn prototype iteration
- U.S. Persons and eligibility for a security clearance
- Preferred: experience integrating defense-grade payloads or weapon systems
- Preferred: experience integrating sensors, optics, and other complex mechatronic systems
- Preferred: background designing actuated or gimbaled electro-mechanical assemblies
- Preferred: knowledge of interface control documentation and system-level requirement flow down
- Preferred: field testing experience supporting live-fire, operational, or military exercises
- Preferred: familiarity with additive manufacturing tools and workflows
- Strong cross-functional communication skills in high-stakes environments
