Our openings span more than one career level. The provided salary depends on many factors, such as work experience and transferable skills, business needs and impact, and market demands.

About Us:

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly capable Mechanical Technician (Prototyping) to help bring next-generation autonomous systems to life. This is a hands-on, build-focused role where you will take designs from concept to physical reality—rapidly turning engineering ideas into functional, testable hardware.

You will work closely with engineers to fabricate, assemble, and iterate on early-stage prototypes, often under tight timelines. Many of the systems you build will be first-of-their-kind, requiring strong intuition, adaptability, and a bias toward execution.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to see their work tested in real-world conditions almost immediately.

What You Will Do

• Fabricate and assemble prototype hardware using a mix of traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques

• Operate equipment such as 3D printers and CNC machines to produce custom components

• Perform hands-on assembly including bonding, fastening, and structural builds

• Execute rapid prototyping cycles to validate mechanical concepts and designs

• Collaborate directly with engineering teams to refine designs based on real-world testing and feedback

• Support build, integration, and test efforts for autonomous systems
  

Who You Are

The Builder

You enjoy working with your hands and take pride in bringing physical systems to life. Whether through professional experience or personal projects, you know how to build durable, functional hardware.

The Generalist

You are comfortable working across tools, materials, and techniques. You don’t need everything defined upfront—you figure it out and move forward.

The Operator

You thrive in fast-moving environments where priorities shift and timelines are aggressive. You are motivated by seeing hardware go from concept to test in days or weeks—not months.

Qualifications

• Experience with fabrication, assembly, or mechanical prototyping

• Hands-on experience with tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, or similar equipment

• Strong mechanical intuition and problem-solving ability

• Ability to work closely with engineers and interpret technical drawings or models

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience with composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber)

• Background in aerospace, robotics, automotive, or similar hardware-focused fields

• Experience supporting prototype builds or experimental hardware programs

• Familiarity with designing for manufacturability and durability

What Success Looks Like

• Rapidly build and iterate on prototype systems that are ready for testing

• Contribute to shorter development cycles and faster validation of new concepts

• Deliver high-quality hardware that performs reliably in real-world environments

• Become a trusted partner to engineering teams in bringing new systems to life

Location Note

This role is based in San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Long Beach, CA to support prototyping, integration, and testing efforts as needed.

Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)

• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

• Equity Package

• Work / Home Office Stipend

• Global Entry

• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave

• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Compensation Range: $80K - $120K