--- title: 'Mechanical Engineer at Tiberius Aerospace Inc.' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-tiberius-aerospace-inc-newport-beach-5wsr3mfky9dt' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-30' --- # Mechanical Engineer at Tiberius Aerospace Inc. - **Company:** Tiberius Aerospace Inc. - **Location:** Newport Beach, CA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-10-28 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-30 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/tiberius/1a86479d-3715-4da8-8ef9-c3774adbccc2 ## Job description Mechanical Engineer Tiberius Aerospace Inc. Location: Orange County, California, or Tucson, Arizona Team: Engineering Commitment: Full-time Reports to: Shawn Gilmore Equity: Offered Pay range 120,000–170,000 annual base salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus annual bonus and equity ## About Tiberius Aerospace Tiberius Aerospace builds next-generation weapon systems for the United States, the United Kingdom and their allies. We design, test and validate, then license production to qualified manufacturers and allied nations so they can build sovereign capacity. We call it Defense as a Service: tight hardware and software integration, fast iteration, and systems that keep improving after they’re fielded. Our portfolio spans SCEPTRE, a ramjet-powered 155mm artillery round; INVICTUS, a ramjet strike missile; VAULT, a containerized launch system for ground, maritime and air platforms; and GRAIL, our AI platform connecting buyers, OEMs, suppliers and capital across the defense industrial base. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Location Based in Orange County, California, or Tucson, Arizona. This role involves hands-on work with hardware, suppliers and test teams. Travel may be required between company locations, manufacturing partners and test facilities. Position Overview We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer to design, build and test hardware for Tiberius’s aerospace and defense systems. You’ll turn requirements into practical mechanical designs, support prototype builds, and use analysis and test results to improve performance, reliability and manufacturability. Reporting to Shawn Gilmore, you’ll work with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers and program teams to take components and assemblies from initial concept through detailed design, fabrication, integration and testing. This is a hands-on role for an engineer with a minimum of three years of professional mechanical engineering experience who is comfortable owning hardware, resolving technical problems and working through fast development cycles. Decision rights: You own assigned component and assembly designs, supporting calculations, drawings and technical documentation. System requirements, design release, qualification criteria and changes affecting safety, cost or schedule are reviewed with Shawn Gilmore and the appropriate technical leads. ## What You’ll Do Design mechanical components, assemblies, interfaces and supporting hardware for aerospace and defense applications. Develop concepts, detailed CAD models, engineering drawings and bills of materials. Use engineering calculations and appropriate analysis methods to evaluate designs before hardware is built. Select materials, manufacturing processes, tolerances and fastening methods suited to performance and production requirements. Work directly with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve fabrication and assembly issues. Support prototype builds, hardware integration, instrumentation and testing. Investigate failures and discrepancies, identify root causes and implement design improvements. Maintain clear design documentation and configuration control throughout development. Core Responsibilities Mechanical Design and Development Translate system and subsystem requirements into mechanical designs with clear interfaces and acceptance criteria. Develop parts and assemblies that balance performance, weight, cost, reliability and manufacturing constraints. Design mechanical interfaces, mounting features, housings, brackets, fixtures and other hardware appropriate to assigned programs. Perform tolerance analyses and ensure assemblies can be manufactured, inspected, assembled and serviced. Participate in design reviews and communicate design decisions, assumptions, risks and trade-offs. Engineering Analysis Apply first-principles calculations to assess loads, stresses, deflections, thermal expansion and mechanical behavior. Use finite element analysis where appropriate, with review and support from structural-analysis specialists. Evaluate material properties, joint behavior, load paths and factors of safety against applicable requirements. Identify where additional analysis or testing is needed and coordinate with the relevant technical specialists. Document methods, assumptions and results so design decisions are traceable. Materials and Manufacturing Select materials and processes based on operating conditions, durability, availability and production needs. Apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles throughout development. Work with machine shops, fabricators and other suppliers to confirm feasibility and resolve technical questions. Develop clear drawings using appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Support inspection planning, first-article reviews and disposition of nonconforming hardware with quality and technical leadership. Prototype Builds and Integration Support the procurement, assembly and integration of development hardware. Design tooling, assembly aids and test fixtures as needed. Resolve fit, access, alignment and interface issues during builds. Coordinate mechanical integration with electrical, propulsion, controls and other engineering disciplines. Capture build feedback and incorporate improvements into subsequent design iterations. Test and Validation Help develop test plans, procedures and acceptance criteria for assigned hardware. Support test setup, instrumentation, execution and post-test inspection. Compare test results with predictions and identify discrepancies requiring further investigation. Investigate failures and implement corrective actions with the broader engineering team. Support environmental, vibration, thermal and mechanical testing as applicable to the program. Documentation and Configuration Control Maintain CAD models, drawings, bills of materials and supporting engineering records. Follow design release and engineering change processes. Track hardware revisions and ensure teams and suppliers use the correct technical baseline. Communicate technical status, open issues and schedule risks to Shawn Gilmore and program stakeholders. ## What You’ll Bring Minimum of three years of professional mechanical engineering experience. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience designing and supporting the build of physical hardware—not solely creating CAD models. Proficiency with a professional 3D CAD system and production-quality engineering drawings. Working knowledge of mechanics of materials, statics, dynamics, material selection and thermal expansion. Experience performing engineering calculations and interpreting analysis results to guide design decisions. Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance analysis and mechanical interfaces. Familiarity with machining, sheet metal fabrication, additive manufacturing or other relevant manufacturing processes. Experience supporting prototype assembly, hardware integration or testing. Ability to investigate technical problems, identify root causes and document corrective actions. Strong communication skills and the ability to work across engineering, manufacturing, quality and supplier teams. Ability to manage assigned work, communicate risks early and follow through in a fast-moving environment. ## Preferred Experience in aerospace, defense, missile systems, propulsion, launch systems or other demanding hardware environments. Experience with hardware exposed to high temperatures, vibration, shock, pressure or other challenging operating conditions. Proficiency with CATIA, including 3D part and assembly modeling and engineering drawing development. Experience using ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN or comparable engineering analysis software. Experience designing mechanical joints, seals, pressure-containing components or precision assemblies. Familiarity with aerospace materials, heat treatments, coatings and corrosion protection. Experience supporting environmental testing, qualification activities or model-to-test correlation. Familiarity with product lifecycle management systems and controlled engineering release processes. Experience working with external manufacturing partners to move hardware from prototype to repeatable production. ## What We’re Looking For An engineer who takes ownership from concept through tested hardware. A practical problem-solver who starts with first principles and validates assumptions. A hands-on builder who works effectively with technicians, suppliers and manufacturing teams. Someone who balances development speed with sound engineering judgment and clear documentation. Comfortable with ambiguity, changing requirements and rapid iteration. Mission first. Focused on delivering reliable hardware that meets operational needs. Growth Opportunity You’ll contribute directly to the development of Tiberius’s aerospace and defense hardware and gain experience across design, manufacturing, integration and testing. As your technical judgment and ownership grow, you’ll have the opportunity to lead more complex components, assemblies and subsystem development efforts. ## How We Support You Competitive salary, annual bonus and equity Medical, dental and vision, fully employer-paid for you and your family Short- and long-term disability and life insurance, employer-paid HSA, FSA and dependent care FSA 401(k), standard and Roth Unlimited PTO, sick leave, paid holidays and paid parental leave ## Equal Opportunity Employer Tiberius Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact kburchstead@tiberius.com. Tiberius Aerospace participates in E-Verify. This role may require U.S. person status under ITAR. ## About Tiberius Aerospace Inc. ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Tiberius Aerospace is a modern defense technology company developing advanced weapons systems—including supersonic ramjet munitions, guided munitions, and AI-enabled lethality—for the UK, US, and allied nations under a Defense-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. - **Entity Type**: Private (Seed stage; $4.5M total funding) - **Headquarters**: London, United Kingdom (with significant operations in Newport Beach, CA, USA and Tucson, AZ, USA) - **Founded**: 2021 - **Founders**: Chad Steelberg (Founder), Andy Baynes (Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer), Michael Martin (Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aerospace, National Security - **Target customers**: Government and military customers (US, UK, and allied nations); B2G (Business-to-Government) focus - **Mission or purpose statement**: "To serve our nations with Strength, Honor, and Purpose - forging the systems that defend freedom and shape the future of defense." ## Products & Services - **SCEPTRE**: A flagship program focused on guided munitions and advanced missiles, designed for precision and scalability. - **GRAIL**: An AI-enabled lethality and autonomous platform program, involving software products for next-generation defense systems. - **LAB**: Tiberius's continuous innovation engine that separates R&D from manufacturing, enabling rapid iteration and sovereign scalability. - **DAAS (Defense-as-a-Service)**: The company's core operating model—a radically different approach that decouples R&D from production to allow faster adaptation, cost-effective lethality, and continuous evolution of systems. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available - **Key Metric**: $4.5M in total funding (Seed Round, October 2025) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: 4 investors participated in the Seed round (names not publicly listed); key partnerships with US and UK allied governments. - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew **366.7% year-over-year** to 21 employees; actively hiring across multiple engineering and operations roles; distributed workforce across the US and UK; flagship programs (SCEPTRE, GRAIL) are operational and scaling. ## Competitive Advantages - **Defense-as-a-Service (DaaS) model**: A unique approach that separates R&D from manufacturing, allowing for rapid iteration, sovereign scalability, and continuous innovation—a stark contrast to traditional prime defense contractors. - **Speed and adaptability**: Designed for a new era of conflict where speed and cost-effective lethality are critical; the company's ethos is to "adapt faster than emerging threats." - **AI and software-first mindset**: Leadership and talent come from companies where rapid iteration, software, and AI were the norm; this mindset is applied to hardware and defense systems, creating continuously learning and evolving platforms. - **Talent acquisition from top defense primes**: Key hires from Raytheon (6 employees), NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other defense tech companies, bringing deep domain expertise. ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities**: Scaling the SCEPTRE and GRAIL programs; expanding sovereign manufacturing capabilities for the UK and US; building a continuously learning ecosystem that connects engineers, manufacturers, operators, and governments. - **Direction for growth**: Global expansion with allied nations; deepening AI and autonomous capabilities; moving from seed-stage to production and deployment at scale. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: A mission-driven environment focused on "difficult problems" with real-world impact at global scale. The company emphasizes that "software can transform hardware" and is building a new model for defense. - **Remote/Hybrid policy**: Offers remote, hybrid, and on-site work options depending on the role. Many positions are fully remote; engineering roles (e.g., Test Engineer, GNC Engineer) in Tucson, AZ are on-site. - **Notable perks**: - **Equity**: Stock ownership in the company - **Medical, Dental & Vision**: 100% employer-paid for employee and/or family - **Life Insurance**: 100% employer-paid, 2x salary up to $1 million - **401(k)**: Both standard and Roth options available - **Unlimited PTO**: At manager's discretion - **Paid Parental Leave**: 2 weeks - **Sick Leave**: 80 hours annually - **Flexible vacation and hybrid/remote schedules** - **Engineering culture**: Focus on GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), embedded systems, flight performance, CFD, and AI; the team is described as "redefining not just what gets built, but how defense itself is built." ## Sources 1. [tiberius.com - About Us](https://www.tiberius.com/about-us) 2. [tiberius.com - Join Us](https://www.tiberius.com/join-us) 3. [linkedin.com - Company Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/tiberius-aerospace) 4. [builtin.com - Company Profile](https://builtin.com/company/tiberius-aerospace-inc) 5. [jobs.lever.co - Careers Page](https://jobs.lever.co/tiberius) ## Other roles at Tiberius Aerospace Inc. - [Technical Recruiter](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-recruiter-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-c3ffzgd58251) — Orange County - [Assistant Controller](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-controller-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-rg8fc41d3ede) — Orange County - [Structural Analysis](https://feeny.ai/job/structural-analysis-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-msr0a7eeyvbc) — Orange County - [Senior Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-test-engineer-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-de6ar2r0hs35) — Orange County - [GNC Embedded Engineer - Orange County, CA](https://feeny.ai/job/gnc-embedded-engineer-orange-county-ca-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-78v6m6ba0dkj) — Orange County - [Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-2yx5c7c4hyjq) — Orange County - [Structural Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/structural-engineer-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-j6wabqfnzk2g) — Orange County - [CFD Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cfd-engineer-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-5ht9gkwne88m) — Orange County - [Creative Director](https://feeny.ai/job/creative-director-tiberius-aerospace-inc-newport-beach-58anjpt7xspx) — Newport Beach, CA - [Head of Communications](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-communications-tiberius-aerospace-inc-orange-county-0t22cs14bzpj) — Orange County