Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Dispatch is developing ruggedized, field-deployable UxS charging infrastructure for defense applications and is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support structural, thermal, and system-level design of next-generation platforms for deployment in austere environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, prototyping, and iteration of mechanical systems for autonomous charging infrastructure (e.g., docking stations), including enclosures, mounts, structural frames, and environmental protection systems, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Aid with structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to help ensure reliability under military environmental conditions (MIL-STD-810, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC considerations).
• Contribute to the development of mechanisms for automated docking, retention, alignment, and protection of payloads or vehicles.
• Evaluate and select materials and processes suitable for ruggedization, manufacturability, and weight/cost constraints.
• Work closely with electrical and software teams to support integration of sensors, electronics, and electromechanical components.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support prototype fabrication, testing, and refinement in laboratory and field environments, including hands-on build and test tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field.
• 1+ years of experience (including internships, co-ops, or strong project/coursework) in mechanical design, ideally for rugged, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency with at least one CAD tool (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar); exposure to mechanical analysis tools (FEA, CFD) is a plus.
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in, designing for environmental and operational robustness - dust, water, salt, extreme temperatures, shock/vibration, and electromagnetic environments.
• Exposure to AS9100/TDP/MIL-STD related items including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, or other military/DoD specifications, with willingness to learn (direct experience is a plus, not required).
• Working knowledge of common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, assembly), through coursework, projects, or work experience.
• Hands-on aptitude and eagerness to learn rugged design practices, with mentorship provided.

Qualifications

• US Person and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (active clearance preferred).
• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), among others.
• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with mechanical design software.
• Understanding of military-grade standards and certifications.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
• Fun work environment.

Pay

Competitive salary.

Schedule

Full-time.