Lead Mechanical Engineer

Arctic Research and Development builds high-latitude technology to unlock the last great frontier on Earth. An expanse 1.5 times the size of the US, the Arctic is the triple point of national security, climatic shifts, and economic opportunity. We cut through this complexity while preserving the integrity of the planet’s most fragile wilderness.

Built by pioneers with 30+ years of polar experience, ARD knows that the High North is a wicked harsh environment. We've got frost-bite to prove it. Working at the fringes of technological capabilities — with an eye towards autonomy assisting in a place that is utterly inhospitable for humans — this is a company that takes big bets on hard problems.

If you want to build and deploy ground-up technology with real-world impact, at an inflection point in history that won’t reappear, we want you at ARD.

We’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own the design, build, and deployment of cold-hardened hardware — from field-ready energy systems to autonomous surface and sub-surface platforms. You’ll work from first principles to engineer real-world solutions that operate where failure isn’t an option. You’ll lead end-to-end design, push hardware and material limits, and take your work into the field — from the workshop to the Arctic.

Design, test, and deliver Arctic-ready hardware from cradle to deployment for ARD’s product-line

Drive materials choices, joinery, sealing, and reliability under thermal/mechanical stress

Lead cold-chamber and durability testing, along with Test Engineer, to ensure performance in sub-zero climates

Integrate closely with electrical, software, and deployment teams (systems, software, GIS, RF)

Set QA standards to ensure our systems stay bulletproof in the harshest conditions

Travel to the Arctic for R&D field testing and meetings with industry reps

7+ years industry experience developing hardware for extreme environments

A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a portfolio of high-fidelity hardware dev

Advanced in 3D CAD ( Siemens NX, Solid Works, PDM)

Experience with taking a product from concept design to production, with a strong grasp of DfMA.

Hands-on prototype and testing experience, working alongside multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Readiness to operate in safe but cold environments while conducting R&D prototype field tests

Competitive compensation

Real field exposure — travel to Arctic sites and Outposts when needed

Mission-driven culture — focus on impact, not hours logged