Mechanical Engineer - Structures

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Structures
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 an entry-level Mechanical Engineer - Structures to join our team as an early hire. In this role, you'll support the design, build, and test of aircraft structures for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This is an opportunity to learn rapidly, contribute meaningfully from day one, and grow alongside experienced aerospace founders and engineers.

As an early-career engineer, you'll gain broad exposure across the aircraft development lifecycle while working closely with senior engineers and leadership. You'll have visibility into the full mission, hands-on experience with real flight hardware, and the chance to develop your technical skills in a fast-moving startup environment. If you're excited to build aircraft, learn by doing, and help shape a world-changing product, this role is for you.

What You'll Do:

• Scope: You will support the development of aircraft structures and subsystem integration including airframe components, flight control surfaces, landing gear structures, propulsion installations, avionics and electrical installations, payload system structures, and other flight-critical hardware.
• 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 assist in generating practical, lightweight, and manufacturable structural components and assemblies. Under guidance from senior engineers, you will apply first-principle and advanced engineering analysis methods as required to predict and optimize structural performance.
• Build: You will help specify materials, hardware, and manufacturing processes, and support fabrication and assembly of aircraft structures and subsystem integration.
• Test: You will help to define, setup, 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, reports, and design reviews.
• Support: You will support structures through production and into flight test to ensure all aircraft remain operationally available and continuously provide valuable mechanical engineering data.
• Improve: You will help generate and maintain standard operating procedures for structural 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.
• Curious Learner: You're eager to learn from experienced engineers, ask pertinent questions, and continuously build your technical skills.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Builder: You enjoy hands-on engineering and want to see your designs turn into real flight hardware.
• Collaborative: You work well on teams, communicate clearly, and are excited to contribute in a supportive, fast-paced environment.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• 2-5 years of experience (including internships, co-ops, research projects, or academic design teams) in aerospace mechanical engineering, preferably with exposure to designing, building, testing, certifying, and/or operating airframe structures, flight control surfaces, landing gear structures, propulsion installations, payload system structures, and/or other flight-critical hardware.
• 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, and manufacturing.
• Experience with classical and finite element methods for structural 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: $80k - $130k / 0.075 - 0.15% 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)).