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Rethink recruit

Mechanical Engineer

Rethink recruit, Redwood City, California, United States, 94061

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About Pilgrim Pilgrim is building advanced hardware systems that translate mission needs into real-world breakthroughs for warfighters. Our engineering team thrives at the intersection of rapid prototyping, ruggedized design, and direct field deployment. We don’t just build in labs—we test, iterate, and refine systems alongside operators, ensuring our technology makes an immediate and lasting impact where it matters most.

The Role As a

Mechanical Engineer

at Pilgrim, you’ll be a hands‑on member of our engineering team, responsible for

end‑to‑end ownership

of hardware initiatives. This is not a theoretical R&D role—you’ll design, build, and deploy ruggedized systems that must perform under extreme conditions. You’ll move fast from prototype to field demo, iterate based on operator feedback, and work directly with decision‑makers to deliver systems that transform defense operations.

What You’ll Do

Design and develop

compact, ruggedized subsystems and housings

in CAD, optimized for shock, vibration, and environmental stress.

Prototype components using

CNC machining, 3D printing (FDM/SLA), vacuum/pressure forming, and metalworking .

Develop and integrate

microfluidic and airflow subsystems , including manifolds, channels, valves, pumps, and sealing solutions.

Build

mechanical assemblies

(gear trains, linkages, actuation rigs) for electromechanical integration.

Apply

DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, and validation testing

(fit checks, pressure/flow/thermal).

Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers on

complex electromechanical assemblies .

Travel for live demos and field testing, gathering direct operator feedback to drive rapid iteration.

What We’re Looking For

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or related field, or equivalent experience.

A

portfolio of independent projects

demonstrating applied mechanical design and prototyping skills (required).

Hands‑on shop experience with

CNC machining, additive manufacturing, vacuum forming, and fabrication tools .

Proficiency in

CAD/CAM (Fusion 360 preferred, SolidWorks acceptable) , including toolpath generation for CNC workflows.

Familiarity with

microfluidic/airflow design and sealing methods

(O‑rings, compression fittings, gaskets).

Strong grasp of

ruggedized design principles

and tolerance stackups for field reliability.

Nice to Have

Experience with microfluidic systems (valves, pumps, connectors).

Designing to

MIL‑STD or ruggedization standards .

Background in

thermal management, airflow optimization, or CFD .

DFM/DFA experience in

defense, aerospace, or medical industries .

Knowledge of

high‑performance materials

(PEEK, PTFE, composites, alloys).

Assembly, testing, and root cause analysis of complex hardware systems.

Exposure to integrating

electromechanical subsystems

(pumps, valves, fans).

Why Join Pilgrim

Direct impact : Build hardware that moves from concept to operator hands in months, not years.

Hands‑on engineering : Design, prototype, and test under real‑world conditions.

Mission‑driven culture : Work with a team passionate about solving hard problems for defense and national security.

Growth opportunity : Take early ownership and grow as Pilgrim scales.

Join Us If you’re an engineer who thrives under real‑world pressure and wants to see your designs in the field making a difference, Pilgrim is the place for you.

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