Overview

Location: Onsite — Austin, TX Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full‑Time Job Title: Senior 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 Senior 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

Nice‑to‑Have

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...