Mechanical Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: Redwood City, CA

Employment Type: FullTime

As a Mechanical Engineer at Pilgrim, you will be a hands-on member of our engineering team, driving the design, development, and deployment of advanced hardware systems. This is not a theoretical or routine R&D role—you’ll own initiatives end-to-end, transforming mission needs into prototypes, refining them through field demos and rapid iterations, and engaging directly with operators and decision-makers to ensure breakthroughs reach warfighters where they matter most. This role is ideal for an engineer eager to learn fast, take ownership early, and grow through building systems that operate under real-world pressure.

You are highly encouraged to share a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop compact, ruggedized subsystems, housings, and rigs in CAD, ensuring reliability under shock, vibration, and environmental conditions.

• Prototype components using CNC machining (Fusion 360 CAM + Haas Control), 3D printing (FDM/SLA), vacuum/pressure forming, laser cutting, and general metalworking.

• Develop and integrate microfluidic and airflow subsystems, including manifolds, channels, valves, pumps, and sealing solutions (O-rings, gaskets, compression fittings) for reliable operation under pressure.

• Design and implement mechanical assemblies such as gear trains, linkages, and actuation rigs to support electromechanical integration.

• Apply DFM/DFA principles, tolerance analysis, and validation testing (fit checks, pressure/flow/thermal) to ensure designs scale efficiently from prototype to production.

• Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to integrate mechanics and fluidics into complex electromechanical assemblies.

• Travel to conduct live demonstrations, stress-test prototypes in field conditions, and capture direct operator feedback, refining systems through iterative, hands-on engagement.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or related discipline (e.g., Materials, Biomedical, Electrical), or demonstrated equivalent capability (formal degree not required).

• Portfolio of independent projects demonstrating applied mechanical design and prototyping skills (required).

• Prior shop experience with CNC machining (milling/lathe), additive manufacturing, vacuum forming, laser cutting, and use of general fabrication tools.

• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (Fusion 360 preferred; SolidWorks acceptable), including toolpath generation for CNC workflows.

• Familiarity with microfluidic and airflow design, manifold integration, and sealing methods (e.g., O-rings, compression fittings).

• Strong understanding of ruggedized, compact design principles and tolerance stackups for reliable field performance.

Nice to Have

• Experience with microfluidic systems (SMA and solenoid valves, peristaltic and piezoelectric pumps, IDEX-style fluidic connectors).

• Experience designing to MIL-STD or similar ruggedization standards.

• Background in thermal management, airflow optimization, or CFD analysis.

• Experience with DFM/DFA in regulated industries (defense, aerospace, medical).

• Knowledge of high-performance materials (PEEK, PTFE, composites, aluminum alloys, stainless steels).

• Hands-on skills in assembly, testing, and root cause analysis of complex hardware systems.

• Exposure to integrating electromechanical subsystems (pumps, valves, fans, connectors).