**Location** : Onsite — Austin, TX
**Employment Type** : Direct Hire, Full‑Time
**Job Title** : Lead Mechatronics Engineer
**About 9 Mothers**
The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield.
Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack.
**Why 9 Mothers?**
While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month—not next year—this is your playground.
**Position Summary**
We are seeking a **Lead Mechatronics Engineer** to act as the vital link between our mechanical, electrical, and robotics teams. You are the "glue" that ensures the software’s intent is perfectly translated into physical motion. You will own motor selection, control tuning, and the physical interface of our turret drive systems. If you can calculate the physics of **high-acceleration slewing** and then write the code to execute it, you belong here.
**Essential Duties**
- **Cross-Functional Interface:** Serve as the primary technical bridge between mechanical design and electrical engineering.
- **Motor & Actuator Selection:** Define motor specifications based on required slew rates and turret mass, performing the necessary calculations for torque and RPM.
- **Motion Control & Tuning:** Implement and tune high-bandwidth control loops (PID) to ensure stability during aggressive, high-speed tracking maneuvers.
- **System Debugging:** Lead the triage of failures at the hardware-software boundary, identifying if an issue is mechanical, electrical, or software-based.
- **Robotics Integration:** Translate tracking outputs into reliable motor commands, ensuring the "body" of the turret reacts with zero margin for error.
**Requirements**
- **Experience:** Demonstrated success in mechatronics, specifically with high-performance motion control and motor drivers.
- **Programming:** Proficiency in C, C++, or Rust for speed and direct hardware interaction.
- **Analytical Skills:** Strong ability to model and calculate mechanical loads and translate them into electrical requirements.
- **Hands-on Rigor:** Skilled in managing scopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
- **Compliance:** U.S. Citizenship and the ability to pass a background check
**Preferred Qualifications**
- Experience with ROS2, DDS, or similar middleware.
- Model-predictive or adaptive control expertise.
- Prior experience with gimbal stabilization, pan-tilt units, or high-speed tracking platforms.
- Security clearance or ability to obtain one.
- Passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby.
**Benefits**
- **Meaningful Early Equity:** You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
- **Direct Roadmap Influence:** Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
- **Mission-Critical Work:** We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
- **The Builder's Playground:** Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.
- **100% Employer-Paid Premiums:** We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
- **Unlimited PTO:** We value results, not clock-watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
- **Zero Red Tape:** You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
- **Austin-Based Culture:** Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.
- **Relocation Assistance:** We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.
**About the Interview**
1. Virtual interview with Director of Mechanical Engineer and Director of Mechatronics (45 min via MS Teams)
2. Paid take-home ($500, ~8 hours)
3. Team will review your solution to the take-home assignment
4. Interview with co-founder (could be in-person or virtual, dependent on location)
5. In-person visit to Austin and/or Offer
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
