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Skunkworks Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ... GoogleX, Skunkworks, etc..) At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in ...

Our engineering teams are structured like small Skunkworks teams - nimble, cross-functional, and technical. Engineers are encouraged to explore new concepts and materials and expected to rapidly go ...

Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ... GoogleX, Skunkworks, etc..) At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in ...

Our fast-paced skunkworks team rapidly iterates, prototypes, and develops next-generation Arrive ... Role Overview Arrive AI is hiring a Electrical Engineer - Firmware to own the low-level software ...

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Skunkworks Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do skunkworks engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for skunkworks engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a skunkworks engineer?

Skunkworks Engineers are specialized professionals who work on highly secretive and innovative projects, often within aerospace, defense, or advanced technology companies. The term 'Skunkworks' comes from Lockheed Martin’s famous Advanced Development Programs, known for fast-paced, cutting-edge innovation outside traditional company processes. These engineers are responsible for rapid prototyping, problem-solving, and developing breakthrough technologies, usually under strict confidentiality. Working as a Skunkworks Engineer often involves multidisciplinary collaboration, creative thinking, and the ability to operate with minimal supervision. The role is ideal for those who thrive in challenging, unconventional environments.

What are some unique challenges skunkworks engineers face when working on highly confidential projects?

Skunkworks Engineers often work on cutting-edge, confidential projects that require strict adherence to security protocols and limited information sharing, even within their own company. This can present challenges such as restricted access to resources, limited collaboration outside of the core team, and the need to rapidly prototype solutions under tight deadlines. Additionally, the fast-paced and secretive environment demands adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive under ambiguity. However, these challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on innovative technologies and make significant impacts within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a skunkworks engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Skunkworks Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering disciplines such as aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in rapid prototyping. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and secure collaboration platforms is crucial, along with security clearances for classified projects. Creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work discreetly under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for driving innovation and delivering breakthrough solutions in highly confidential, fast-paced environments.
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What cities are hiring for Skunkworks Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Skunkworks Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Skunkworks Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Skunkworks Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Skunkworks Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineer (Robotics & Automation)

Arrive AI Inc

Fishers, IN

$97K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description

At Arrive AI (Nasdaq: ARAI), we're not just building products-we're transforming the future of the Autonomous Last Mile (ALM). Over a decade ago, we started with a pioneering vision and patents for the first smart mailbox for drone delivery. Through systematic research, development, and deep customer collaboration, we've evolved to today where we deploy Arrive Points-a type of smart locker and mini-cross-docks for frictionless drone, robotic, and courier delivery and pickup, utilized from medical supplies to meals to e-commerce. Arrive AI is now growing and investing to scale an ALM network and platform of the future for all autonomous delivery providers, services, and customers. Arrive AI is the intelligent choice for the last inch of the Autonomous Last Mile. 


About Us: 

We move fast, balancing strategy with opportunity. We are merit-based, valuing integrity, innovation, and treating others as we want to be treated. At Arrive AI, every employee is an equity holder and a business owner. Our shared vision, ownership, and culture fuel our mission to revolutionize autonomous delivery. 


Product Team 

You'll be joining Arrive AI's Product Team to revolutionize Autonomous Last Mile (ALM) logistics by transforming over a decade of research, design, and customer collaboration into the world's first autonomous logistics network and platform. Our fast-paced skunkworks team rapidly iterates, prototypes, and develops next-generation Arrive Point units, networks, and AI-powered platforms. By integrating cutting-edge hardware, robotics, IoT, software, data, AI, and manufacturing, we're driving a bold roadmap for ALM innovation. Based in Fishers, IN, we offer a unique opportunity to do your life's best work, shape the future, and share in the success. 


The Role: 

We are seeking an experienced Electro-Mechanical Engineer to assist in the design and development of an autonomous robotic cabinet system. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable with mechanical design, motion systems, electrical integration, and prototype development.

The ideal candidate will help develop reliable, manufacturable hardware by selecting and integrating motors, actuators, sensors, and supporting electrical components while working closely with our internal engineering team.


Responsibilities: 

  • Design and develop electro-mechanical systems for a robotic cabinet platform.
  • Select and integrate motors, gearboxes, actuators, bearings, linear guides, and motion transmission components.
  • Evaluate and specify sensors including limit switches, Hall sensors, optical sensors, encoders, proximity sensors, and safety interlocks.
  • Ensure compatibility between motors, sensors, drivers, power supplies, and embedded control electronics.
  • Work closely with PCB and firmware engineers to ensure proper electrical interfaces and control strategies.
  • Develop mechanical assemblies using CAD (Creo preferred) with emphasis on manufacturability and serviceability.
  • Design brackets, mounts, linkages, sheet metal, machined components, and injection molded parts as required.
  • Build and test prototypes, troubleshoot hardware issues, and iterate designs based on testing.
  • Generate engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, and design specifications.
  • Collaborate with contract manufacturers and suppliers to support prototype and production builds.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with IoT-connected products or smart hardware devices.
  • Familiarity with embedded controllers such as STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or similar platforms.
  • Experience integrating CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, RS485, or Ethernet-based devices.
  • Knowledge of thermal management, environmental sealing, and outdoor product design.
  • Familiarity with DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and reliability testing.
  • Experience bringing products from prototype through production.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of electro-mechanical engineering experience, preferably in robotics, automation, industrial equipment, or autonomous systems.
  • Strong CAD proficiency (Creo preferred) and experience designing for manufacturability.
  • Solid understanding of motion control systems including stepper motors, servo motors, BLDC motors, gear reduction, lead screws, belts, chains, and linear actuators.
  • Experience selecting motors based on torque, speed, duty cycle, and load calculations.
  • Understanding of electrical fundamentals including voltage, current, power budgets, driver compatibility, power distribution, grounding, EMI considerations, and connector selection.
  • Experience integrating sensors, encoders, limit switches, and other feedback devices into embedded systems.
  • Ability to read electrical schematics and collaborate with PCB and firmware engineers.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers and external design partners.
  • Comfortable moving between CAD design, hands-on prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation.
  • Experience working in fast-paced, iterative product development environments with evolving requirements.

We are looking for a practical engineer who enjoys solving multidisciplinary problems and can bridge the gap between mechanical design and electrical system integration to create robust robotic hardware. 


At this time, we are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.