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.

Valinor Harbor is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own the design and engineer its mobile, modular medical systems equipped for precision care, rapid response, and remote monitoring in austere environments. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable with a CAD model and a fabrication shop floor. You'll work closely with fabrication teams, project managers, and customers to take concepts from initial design through production-ready documentation, and you'll set the standard for engineering quality across the team.

• Design and engineer structural modifications for CONEX/shipping containers for defense, commercial, industrial, and specialty applications

• Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, assemblies, and fabrication drawings using industry-standard CAD software

• Develop construction and fabrication plans suitable for manufacturing and field installation

• Perform structural analysis and simulation testing to validate design integrity, load capacity, and code compliance

• Collaborate with fabrication teams, project managers, and clients to ensure designs meet project requirements and production capabilities

• Review and optimize designs for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and structural performance

• Produce BOMs (Bills of Materials), technical documentation, and engineering change revisions

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable engineering standards, safety regulations, and local building codes

• Support prototype development, testing, and implementation of container modification projects

• Conduct site visits and fabrication shop reviews as needed to verify measurements and construction accuracy

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Design Engineering, or a related field preferred

• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar platforms

• Prior experience designing modifications to shipping containers, steel structures, modular buildings, or fabricated assemblies strongly preferred

• Background in heavy equipment, trailers, modular buildings, defense, marine, oilfield, or industrial equipment preferred

• Strong understanding of welding, fabrication processes, and structural steel design — hands-on shop experience a plus

• Experience creating production-ready fabrication drawings, shop packages, and supporting documentation for certification

• Experience with structural load paths, dynamic loading, transportable structures, and corrosion/coating considerations including mixed material interfaces

• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions and managing multiple projects simultaneously

• FEA/simulation analysis experience preferred; PE or EIT beneficial but not required

• Familiarity with relevant standards a plus: ISO/CSC, ABS, DNV, ASME/AWS, UFC, or military specifications

• 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, but not required.

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!