Senior Mechanical Engineer
What We Do at Anno.ai
Anno.ai is a mission-focused defense technology startup dedicated to accelerating the safe and effective development of next-generation autonomous systems. We specialize in building and operating advanced test ranges for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) single- or dual- use autonomous platforms, providing a critical bridge between early-stage innovation and real-world mission requirements.
Our ranges are designed to replicate complex, contested, and dynamic environments—giving innovators, researchers, and defense partners the ability to validate, stress-test, and mature their systems with speed and rigor. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong national security ethos, Anno.ai ensures that emerging autonomous technologies are tested not only for performance, but for resilience, adaptability, and operational relevance.
Anno.ai is a growing company with a team drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing together expertise in defense, technology, engineering, and operations. We intentionally build our teams on the foundation of trust. Our values including the trust rule, ownership, bias for action, never stop learning, and sustainable excellence, not only guide how we work internally, but also how we partner with customers and stakeholders.
At Anno.ai, we believe that mission success depends on empowering innovation at the edge. We exist to help our partners move faster, fail smarter, and ultimately deliver autonomous capabilities that safeguard both national security and the future of global stability.
Disclaimer: Due to the sensitive nature of our engineering work, Anno.Ai enforces strict digital footprint and identity verification. We actively monitor for synthetic profiles, proxy networks, and AI interview assistants; any fraudulent activity will result in immediate disqualification.
Position Overview
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Anno.Ai, you will design, develop, prototype, document, test, and support manufacturing of systems used in field-deployable autonomous, sensor, and mission-support platforms. You will create 3D models, mechanical drawings, schematics, fixtures, mounts, enclosures, and components that enable rugged, reliable operation in demanding field environments.
You will work directly with product, manufacturing, and field operations teams to develop designs that support integrated systems and components. This role requires a hands-on engineer who can move quickly from concept to CAD to prototype to manufacturable hardware while balancing performance, durability, weight, cost, serviceability, and operational constraints.
For this opportunity we are looking for engineers who have experience designing rugged mechanical systems, enclosures, mounts, and field-ready hardware. Experience with additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, environmental hardening, pressure testing, weather-resistant materials, manufacturing support, and military-standard design considerations is ideal. Annomals are practical, mission-driven, and fun. We value good management, your career growth, and ethical, responsible practices.
The ideal candidate for this role would reside in Minnesota.
Candidates need to be able to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required). Candidates must be able to travel up to 20% of the time.
What You Will Do
Design rugged mechanical systems, enclosures, mounts, fixtures, and sensor housings
Support products and related test range systems
Create 3D CAD models, drawings, assemblies, and BOM inputs
Prototype, fabricate, assemble, and iterate on field-deployable hardware
Design for weather resistance, vibration, shock, corrosion, and thermal performance
Develop mechanical interfaces for sensors, electronics, cabling, and other infrastructure
Support manufacturing, design reviews, fit checks, and documentation updates
Troubleshoot hardware issues during prototype builds and field testing, and field support
Collaborate with other cross-functional teams
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of professional experience designing mechanical systems, enclosures, mounts, fixtures, rugged hardware, sensor payloads, or field-deployable equipment
Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion, or similar software, including production-quality mechanical drawing practices
Experience with tolerance stack-ups, GD&T, revision control, design reviews, and manufacturable documentation
Experience designing serviceable components for field-deployable hardware
Experience supporting additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, prototype fabrication, and design iteration from early concepts through functional test articles
Experience supporting manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, composites, injection molding, casting, or low-rate production builds
Experience with environmental design considerations including sealing, water resistance, corrosion resistance, vibration, shock, thermal management, UV exposure, and weatherization
Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, layout files, BOMs, technical orders, and mechanical drawings
Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Ability to travel up to 20%
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience supporting UAS/cUAS systems, defense or aerospace industry
Experience designing for extreme environments
Experience with maritime, coastal, buoy-mounted, vehicle-mounted, or other outdoor systems exposed to moisture, salt air, pressure, wind, temperature variation, and long-duration field operation
Experience with MIL-STD-style environmental hardening, ruggedization, shock/vibration design, ingress protection, corrosion control, or field qualification testing
Experience with additive manufacturing
Total Rewards Package for Our US Employees
Competitive salary
Equity
Comprehensive benefits package
401k with a 5% company match
Paid holidays and generous paid time off offering
Paid leave programs
Patent bonus program
Employee referral bonus program
Learning and development program
Opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled, creative and motivated team members
Quick Note on Role Fit
If you think you have what it takes to fulfill this opportunity, but don't necessarily check every box, please still connect with us at talent@anno.ai. Feel free to send a cover letter so we can get to know you better!