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Kela is a defense technology startup pioneering next-generation defense technology, from command & control software to complete field-deployed systems. We empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms that integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence. Backed by leading investors, Kela combines Israeli innovation with global mission impact.
We move faster than any defense startup you've worked at, and faster than most commercial ones. Prototypes go from sketch to metal in weeks, not quarters. If that pace sounds energizing rather than exhausting, keep reading.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll own the detailed design of ruggedized units and the mechanical hardware that integrates them onto heavy platforms. Working under the mechanical tech lead, you'll take assemblies from concept CAD through analysis-driven iteration to released production drawings. You'll design the mechanisms and fixtures that support development and fielding, and you'll build and debug your own prototypes hands-on.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design from prototype to serial production — MIL-STD qualification, manufacturing package, subcontractor ramp and engineering changes.
- Own the detailed design of ruggedized sealed units and their platform-integration hardware, from concept CAD to released drawings.
- Design mechanisms — moving, locking and release assemblies.
- Design rigs and fixtures for data collection and testing.
- Iterate the design against subcontracted thermal and dynamic analyses.
- Build and debug prototypes hands-on.
- Co-design PCBs with the hardware engineers — outline, keepouts, placement.
Requirements
- 7+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience.
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering.
- Strong SolidWorks proficiency with a record of released manufacturing drawings, including GD&T.
- Experience designing sealed or ruggedized assemblies for harsh environments.
- Experience designing mechanisms.
- Experience working with manufacturing subcontractors and designing to cost.
- Experience in thermal and structural design of electronics packaging.
- Proven experience taking a product from prototype to serial production on defense programs, including the qualification and documentation that gate it.
- Uncompromising attention to detail - you get into every part of the design, down to the torque spec of every screw.
Advantages
- Experience integrating equipment onto heavy or armored vehicle platforms.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD environmental and EMC design practice.
- A personal maker portfolio of hardware you designed and built yourself.
- Experience designing enclosures for EO (electro-optical) systems.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience
- Strong production and assembly experience
- BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering
- Experience designing ruggedized enclosures or mechanical assemblies for high-shock and high-vibration environments
- Working knowledge of MIL-STD design and qualification, including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, or equivalents
- Experience taking products from prototype through production runs of hundreds to thousands of units
- Experience selecting manufacturing methods, qualifying vendors, and leading production ramps
- Comfort working closely with software and algorithms teams
- Maker or builder portfolio demonstrating independently designed and shipped hardware
- Experience with heavy machinery or heavy-platform integration
- Experience working at a defense company
- Experience with FMEA, root cause analysis, or reliability engineering for ruggedized hardware
- Familiarity with sensor integration, harnessing for armored or heavy platforms, or vehicle-mounted systems
What We Do
Battle-tested tech for modern warfare
