Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Us:
Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup from day one. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain to join our team and support the development of powertrain systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This role is critical to the success of our current and future programs and will have significant ownership over powertrain architecture, integration, and testing.

As a key contributor on a small, highly technical team, you'll work closely with experienced aerospace founders and engineers to design, build, and validate reliable aircraft powertrain systems. You'll have hands-on involvement across the full lifecycle—from concept and analysis through ground and flight test—while helping establish engineering best practices as the company grows.

If you're excited about solving hard problems, working close to real hardware, and shaping a system that directly enables flight, this role is for you.

What You'll Do:

• Scope: You will design and develop aircraft powertrain systems, including gearboxes, mounts, cooling, lubrication, intake/exhaust, accessories, and controls.
• Collaborate: You will work cooperatively with an incredibly talented and kind team of systems, aerodynamic, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to identify, simplify, and solve complex problems.
• Design: You will generate practical, lightweight, and reliable designs for powertrain systems.  Using first-principle and advanced engineering analysis methods as required, you will evaluate system performance.
• Build: You will specify, source, procure, fabricate, assemble, and integrate powertrain systems.
• Test: You will define, set up, execute, and report ground and flight tests to ensure designs meet functional, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Document and Communicate: You will document and communicate your engineering with models, technical drawings, design reviews, and reports.
• Support: You will support powertrain systems through production and into flight test to ensure the aircraft remains operationally available and continuously provides valuable mechanical engineering data.
• Improve: You will generate and maintain standard operating procedures for mechanical engineering across the product lifecycle.

Who You Are:

• Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Builder: You like working close to hardware and taking designs from concept through test.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus
• 4-7 years of experience in aerospace mechanical engineering, preferably with exposure to designing, building, testing, certifying, and/or operating internal diesel combustion engines, and/or powertrain systems
• Proficiency with CAD/PLM software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, 3DExperience, or similar) for designing and maintaining mechanical parts, assemblies, and installations
• Proficiency with mechanical engineering principles including statics and dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, tribology, controls, reliability, and manufacturing
• Experience with classical and advanced methods for mechanical, thermal, and fluid analysis
• Knowledge of conventional and advanced materials, processes, and hardware
• Knowledge of domestic and military certification processes
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to occasionally travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, or testing locations as required.

Why Join Grid.aero:

• Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
• Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
• Impact: As one of our first hires, you'll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
• Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game-changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.
• Flexibility: We offer a remote-balanced culture, giving you freedom to excel personally and professionally.

Compensation: $120k - $160k / 0.1 - 0.2% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).