Real job — pulled straight from Clera’s careers page · Verified October 31, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Clera is hiring a Principal Mechanical Engineer — a full-time, based in San Francisco, CA role ($235k–$305k). Apply directly on Clera's careers page below.
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Department: Engineering
Location: San Francisco
Employment Type: FullTime
About the Role
Join a small defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-drone applications. As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will guide full-system mechanical architecture and integration, bringing hardware from prototype through production and field deployment.
What You'll Do
Own mechanical architecture across the system and lead integration with electrical, power, embedded, and optical subsystems.
Make and guide technical decisions from concept through production readiness.
Drive hardware release and production processes in partnership with manufacturing.
Review designs, calculations, and test results to surface risks and strengthen engineering standards.
Perform hands-on design and problem-solving, including tradeoffs across cost, mass, reliability, schedule, and field performance.
Mentor engineers through technical collaboration and example.
What We're Looking For
10 or more years designing and shipping complex hardware systems, with repeated experience taking products from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment.
Mechanical design is your primary discipline, including hands-on CAD, structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
Deep mechanical expertise and sound technical judgment in at least one adjacent area, such as electrical engineering, power electronics, or embedded systems.
Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware integration and designing equipment for demanding real-world environments.
Ability to correlate your own FEA or hand calculations with bench or field test data.
Background as a senior individual contributor or technical lead at a hardware company that shipped products.
Defense, aerospace, robotics, high-performance automotive, maritime, or directed-energy experience is relevant. Experience with ruggedized systems, thermal management, gimbals, qualification standards, or manufacturing setup is valuable.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $235,000 to $305,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California.
Get Mechanical Engineer jobs like this→
New roles from thousands of companies land hourly, straight from their careers pages. Get the freshest matches by email so you never miss one.
Email me new jobsSimilar jobs
Product Manager, Large Ag Autonomy (Remote)
System Architect, Industrial Robotics and Healthcare
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera?
The estimated salary range for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera is $235,000 - $305,000 USD per year.
What skills are required for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera?
The required skills for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera include: Robotics.
What is the seniority level for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera?
Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera is a Principal level position.
How do I apply for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera?
You can view the full description and apply for Principal Mechanical Engineer at Clera on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/clera-principal-mechanical-engineer-daty2.