Lead Mechanical Engineer

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don’t. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems–the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country’s strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

About The Role

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

What You'll Do

• Design, prototype, and iterate mechanical systems for autonomous charging infrastructure, including enclosures, mounts, structural frames, and environmental protection systems

• Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to ensure reliability under military environmental conditions (MIL-STD-810, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)

• Develop mechanisms for automated docking, retention, alignment, and protection of payloads or vehicles

• Select materials and manufacturing processes suitable for ruggedization and weight, cost, and manufacturability constraints

• Work closely with electrical and software teams to integrate sensors, electronics, and electromechanical components

• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation

• Oversee prototype fabrication, testing, and refinement in laboratory and field environments

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for rugged or mission-critical systems (defense, aerospace, robotics, or similar)

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion360, or similar) and mechanical analysis tools (FEA, CFD, etc.)

• Experience designing for environmental and operational robustness, including exposure to dust, water, salt, extreme temperatures, shock/vibration, and electromagnetic environments

• Familiarity with military and DoD standards, including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, additive manufacturing, and assembly best practices

What Valinor Offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401K, development stipends, among others.

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!