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Clera

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Detroit · On-site · FullTime · Engineering

$165K – $210K

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About the role

Mechanical Engineering
ABOUT THE ROLE Own major mechanical subsystems for ruggedized, field-deployable directed-energy systems, from early architecture through production handoff. You will work across a lean engineering team to help ensure systems perform reliably in demanding field conditions. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Design and validate mechanical subsystems, including enclosures, beam director structures, gimbals, and precision mounts. - Perform static, modal, random vibration, and shock response spectrum FEA, then correlate results with bench and field testing. - Develop thermal management solutions for high-power laser and electronics packaging across thermal cycles. - Build, instrument, and operate test rigs to characterize system behavior before field deployment. - Design for MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration requirements and other austere environments. - Take designs from concept through prototyping, validation, field testing, and manufacturing handoff. - Lead design reviews, collaborate with senior engineers, and mentor junior mechanical engineers. - Travel to field test events and range days to validate performance and iterate on designs. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - At least 5 years of mechanical engineering experience with ruggedized, field-deployable, or high-performance systems, including taking a subsystem from prototype to production. - Strong hands-on FEA experience with ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent, including test correlation. - Experience designing to MIL-STD-810 or equivalent shock and vibration standards, and packaging precision optomechanical systems. - Experience designing thermal management for high-power systems, building test rigs, and supporting manufacturing handoff. - A BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. - Laser, directed-energy, optical bench ruggedization, or vehicle-mounted systems experience is a plus. - U.S. citizenship is required. The role requires on-site work in Detroit and travel for field testing. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary is $165,000 to $210,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. LOCATION On-site in Detroit, Michigan, with travel for field test events and range validation.