- Salary
- $100k – $160k/yr
- Location
- El Segundo, California, US
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Engineering
- Education
- Bachelor
- Source
- Y Combinator
Description
Overview
Wardstone is looking for a Mechanical and Structural Engineer to own the mechanical architecture and structural integrity of our first missile interceptor, Hailstorm. This role includes missile interceptor sizing, outer mold line (OML) design, actuator mechanics, internal packaging, and ensuring survivability under extreme flight conditions.
You will design, analyze, prototype, test, and iterate mechanical systems and structures capable of withstanding high aerodynamic loads, intense vibration, and significant thermal stress.
You will work side-by-side with the founders, propulsion, aerodynamic, and controls engineers. You will own the on-vehicle mechanical and structural systems from conceptual design to real world demonstration.
What You’ll Do
Interceptor Design & Structural Analysis
- Size the missile interceptor for extreme flight, launch, and maneuver loads.
- Perform comprehensive structural and vibration analysis to ensure vehicle integrity during all dynamic phases of flight.
- Analyze and mitigate dynamic loads, shock, and aeroelastic effects.
Mechanical Design & Packaging
- Lead the Outer Mold Line (OML) design to meet aerodynamic, kinematic, and volumetric requirements.
- Design primary and secondary structures, including critical hardpoint definition and custom bracket design.
- Generate and manage complex CAD models and assemblies for the entire vehicle system.
Cross-Functional Integration
- Interface closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, and thermal engineering teams to balance structural strength with heat dissipation and drag reduction.
- Collaborate with electrical and propulsion teams for optimal routing, packaging, and mounting of critical subsystems.
Manufacturing, Materials, & Vendor Management
- Drive material selection for high-performance applications (e.g., advanced composites, high-strength alloys, high-temp materials).
- Work directly with external vendors and machine shops to procure components, ensuring quality and tolerance standards are met.
- Utilize hands-on machining experience (lathe, mill) for rapid in-house prototyping and test fixture creation.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of industry experience.
- Strong demonstrated CAD proficiency with experience managing complex vehicle assemblies.
- Deep background in structural analysis, including FEA for static, dynamic, and vibration loads.
- Experience with material selection for high-stress or aerospace applications.
- Hands-on fabrication and machining experience (manual or CNC mill and lathe).
US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED
Nice to Haves
- Experience designing hardware for missiles, UAVs, rockets, or other high-speed aerospace systems.
- Previous experience managing external vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
- Familiarity with OML design and aerodynamic packaging constraints.
- Exposure to MIL-STD testing (thermal, vibration, shock, environmental).
- Experience building and testing your own structural test rigs.
About the interview
- 15-30 min phone intro with CEO
- 1 Hour phone deep dive with CTO
- 1 Hour in person with CEO
