Mechanical Engineer, Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer, Prototyping

Company: All Cares

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Manufacturing - Prototyping

Date Posted: 2026-11-03

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a hands-on Mechanical Engineer role focused on rapid prototyping within the wearable military robotics sector.

• The primary function is to transform engineering CAD files and instructions into physical parts and functional prototypes with high velocity and precision.

• Responsibilities include managing the entire prototyping lifecycle, from part fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing) to final assembly, fitting, and on-site unit repair.

• Success in this role hinges on efficient supplier coordination, on-site workshop management, and the ability to quickly iterate on designs for improved manufacturability and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly described as a "builder role, not a design role," emphasizing practical execution and rapid iteration over conceptual design. The context of "wearable military robotics" suggests a need for robust, reliable, and potentially high-performance components, requiring meticulous attention to detail in fabrication and assembly.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Fabricate physical parts from engineering CAD files using a variety of methods including CNC machining of aluminum, laser-cut and bent sheet metal, metal and nylon 3D printing, and carbon fiber composite work.

• Collaborate with engineering teams abroad to optimize designs for manufacturability, providing feedback on tolerances, threads, radii, and overall geometry to facilitate efficient production.

• Operate and maintain in-house 3D printing equipment for rapid, same-day part production.

• Perform hands-on workshop tasks such as hand-fitting, drilling, bending, and assembling components to integrate new parts into existing units and perform necessary repairs within tight deadlines (e.g., 24-hour turnaround for unit repair).

• Execute fitting and upgrading of components for new unit versions, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

• Develop and maintain a robust network of local workshops and suppliers in Kyiv to ensure timely and quality fabrication services.

• Provide concise daily updates on production status, including completed parts, failed attempts, and items currently with suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "repair a unit within 24 hours when needed" highlights a critical need for swift problem-solving and on-demand fabrication capabilities, underscoring the fast-paced and mission-critical nature of this prototyping role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is implied by the "Mechanical engineering background" requirement, though practical experience may be considered in lieu of formal education for exceptionally qualified candidates.

Experience: Proven experience in a hands-on prototyping environment is essential, with a demonstrated ability to produce physical parts rather than solely focusing on design. Experience in the drone, ground-robot, or fabrication industry is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering principles.

• Extensive practical experience in prototyping and fabrication.

• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar, including the ability to modify existing models for improved manufacturability.

• Solid understanding of various manufacturing processes: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and advanced 3D printing techniques (metal and nylon).

• Proficient hands-on workshop skills, including the use of hand tools, drilling, bending, fitting, and general assembly.

• Working English proficiency for effective daily communication via calls and written messages with international engineering teams.

• A highly self-directed and proactive work ethic, capable of taking a brief and delivering completed parts independently.

• Ability to work full-time on-site in Kyiv. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in the drone, ground-robot, or specialized fabrication companies.

• Pre-existing relationships with suppliers and workshops within the Kyiv area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "parts you made, not only parts you drew" strongly suggests that candidates should be prepared to showcase tangible outputs and discuss their direct involvement in the physical creation of prototypes, not just their CAD modeling abilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Tangible evidence of fabricated parts and completed prototypes that demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Case studies showcasing the process of taking a CAD design through fabrication and assembly, highlighting problem-solving and iteration.

• Examples of design modifications made for manufacturability, clearly illustrating the "before" and "after" impact.

• Documentation of parts produced using various methods (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, carbon fiber) with attention to quality and precision.

• Demonstration of assembly and repair work, potentially including before-and-after scenarios. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document the fabrication process for parts, including material selection, manufacturing method, and any post-processing steps.

• Clear articulation of how designs were optimized for manufacturability, detailing specific changes and their rationale.

• Records of supplier interactions, including lead times, quality control measures, and issue resolution.

• Daily update logs that effectively communicate production progress, challenges, and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "builder" capabilities, a portfolio should strongly emphasize physical outputs and the practical steps taken to achieve them. This might include photos of parts, assembly sequences, and clear explanations of workshop processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years) and the specialized nature of prototyping in a high-tech industry, with a full-time on-site role in Kyiv, Ukraine, a competitive salary is expected.

• Estimated Range: 35,000 - 60,000 UAH per month (approximately $875 - $1,500 USD per month, subject to exchange rate fluctuations).

• This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for skilled mechanical engineers and prototyping specialists in the Ukrainian market, considering the specific technical demands and the company's focus on advanced robotics. Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Direct collaboration and interaction with the company's engineering team, offering significant learning opportunities.

• Full-time employment status.

• Opportunity to start as soon as possible, indicating a role with immediate impact.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with the expectation of on-site presence in the Kyiv office. The "produce finished parts within days" and "repair a unit within 24 hours" implies a need for flexibility and dedication during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for skilled technical roles in Ukraine and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The absence of specific benefits beyond competitive compensation and direct team interaction suggests a lean startup environment where core offerings are prioritized.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Robotics, specifically focusing on wearable robotics for military applications. This sector demands high reliability, cutting-edge technology, and rigorous testing.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the mention of a "field office in Kyiv" and engineers "abroad" suggests a growing company with an international presence, likely a startup or a division of a larger entity.

Founded: Not specified, but the nature of the technology implies a relatively modern founding date.

Team Structure:

• The Kyiv team appears to be a focused, hands-on prototyping and assembly unit.

• This unit receives CAD files and instructions from engineers located internationally, suggesting a distributed engineering model.

• The reporting structure likely involves a local team lead or manager who liaises with the broader engineering organization.

• Collaboration is key, with daily updates and direct work with engineers abroad being a core requirement. Methodology:

• Rapid Iteration: The core methodology revolves around quickly transforming digital designs into physical parts and functional units, enabling fast feedback loops.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): A strong emphasis on working with suppliers to simplify designs and improve production efficiency.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: Direct engagement with assembly, fitting, and repair to ensure units are functional and meet performance requirements.

• Agile Prototyping: The process is geared towards speed and responsiveness, with daily updates and same-day printing capabilities.

Company Website: https://allcares.breezy.hr (This is the hiring platform URL, not the company's primary website).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "wearable military robotics" suggests a culture that values precision, resilience, rapid innovation, and discretion. The international collaboration model points to a need for strong communication and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Mechanical Engineer with a specialization in Prototyping. It requires a solid engineering foundation combined with significant practical, hands-on experience in fabrication and assembly. The emphasis is on execution and speed rather than design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Engineer will report to a local manager or lead in Kyiv, while also working closely with and receiving instructions from a remote engineering team based abroad. This dual reporting/collaboration dynamic is common in distributed engineering environments.

Operations Impact: The Mechanical Engineer is directly responsible for the tangible realization of engineering designs. Their speed and quality of work directly impact the pace of product development, the ability to test and iterate on new features, and the readiness of functional prototypes for evaluation. This role is critical for closing the gap between design ideation and functional hardware.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fabrication techniques (e.g., specific 3D printing materials, CNC programming, composite layup) and wearable robotics.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining the prototyping workflow, supplier management, and on-site workshop efficiency.

• Technical Leadership: Potentially grow into a lead prototyping technician or engineer role within the Kyiv office, overseeing more complex projects or junior team members.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain insight into the broader engineering and product development lifecycle of advanced robotics through direct interaction with the remote engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional design engineering role, the growth potential lies in becoming an indispensable executor and problem-solver within the prototyping domain, potentially leading to more senior technical roles focused on manufacturing, testing, or advanced fabrication.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly "on-site full-time" at a "field office in Kyiv." This suggests a dedicated workspace equipped for hands-on engineering and fabrication tasks.

Office Location(s): Kyiv, Ukraine.

Workspace Context:

• A hands-on workshop environment is implied, equipped with machinery for CNC aluminum, sheet metal bending, 3D printing (in-house), and general fabrication tools.

• It will likely include space for assembly, fitting, testing, and repair of wearable robotics units.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with daily calls and written communication required with engineers located internationally.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours per week) is expected, but the critical nature of rapid prototyping and urgent repairs may necessitate flexibility and extended hours during peak periods or when immediate unit turnaround is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "field office" designation might suggest a lean, agile workspace focused on essential equipment and rapid output, rather than a large, corporate R&D facility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials, focusing on relevant prototyping experience and technical skills.

• Technical Assessment: A practical test or detailed discussion of past projects to evaluate CAD skills, knowledge of fabrication methods, and workshop proficiency. Candidates may be asked to demonstrate editing a CAD file for manufacturability or discuss specific fabrication challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of a portfolio showcasing fabricated parts, prototypes, and case studies of their involvement in the prototyping process. Emphasis will be on practical execution and problem-solving.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessment of self-direction, problem-solving approach, English communication skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced, international team environment. Questions will likely focus on how they handle tight deadlines and unexpected issues.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior engineer or manager to discuss fit with the company's mission and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include high-quality photos and videos of parts you've fabricated, assemblies you've built, and units you've repaired.

• Focus on Process: For each project, detail the steps taken: CAD modification, material selection, fabrication method, assembly challenges, and solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight improvements made (e.g., reduced lead time, increased part strength, simplified assembly) and the results achieved.

• Highlight DFM: Showcase instances where you provided feedback to engineers to improve designs for manufacturability and explain the impact of those changes.

• Prepare to Discuss Failures: Be ready to discuss parts that didn't work as intended, what went wrong, and how you addressed the issue. This demonstrates resilience and learning.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Proficiency: Be prepared for a live CAD editing exercise, focusing on making designs more manufacturable.

• Fabrication Knowledge: Expect questions about the practicalities of CNC machining, sheet metal bending, and various 3D printing technologies (materials, limitations, best practices).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach urgent repair tasks or troubleshoot a part that doesn't fit correctly.

• Supplier Management: Think about how you would build and manage a network of local workshops and ensure quality and timeliness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "hands-on builder role" means the interview process will likely heavily weigh practical demonstration and experience over theoretical knowledge. A strong portfolio showcasing tangible outputs is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar (advanced proficiency required for editing existing models).

• 3D Printers: In-house operational knowledge of metal and nylon 3D printing technologies.

• CNC Machinery: Familiarity with operating or overseeing CNC machining processes for aluminum parts.

• Sheet Metal Fabrication Equipment: Experience with laser cutters, bending machines, and associated tooling.

• Hand Tools & Assembly Equipment: Comprehensive knowledge and practical skill in using a wide range of hand tools, drills, and assembly aids.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Daily Update Systems: Proficiency in providing concise, clear written and verbal updates on production status and issues.

CRM & Automation:

• Supplier Management Tools: While not explicitly stated, effective coordination with local workshops implies some form of tracking or management system for orders, lead times, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily skewed towards physical fabrication tools and CAD software. The "automation" aspect likely refers to the efficient use of in-house 3D printers and potentially workflow improvements in managing external suppliers, rather than software automation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Agility: A core value is the ability to produce and deliver parts quickly, adapting to changing requirements.

• Precision & Quality: Despite the speed, there's an implicit expectation of high quality and accuracy in fabricated parts and assemblies, especially for military applications.

• Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages taking initiative to overcome technical challenges and find practical solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing clear, concise, and timely communication, especially across international teams and with local suppliers.

• Hands-on Execution: A strong appreciation for practical skills and the ability to translate designs into tangible results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with remote engineers to refine designs and integrate parts.

• Supplier Partnership: Building and maintaining strong, reliable relationships with local workshops to ensure efficient outsourcing.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing status updates, challenges, and successes to keep all stakeholders informed.

• Feedback Loop: Actively participating in the feedback loop for design improvements based on manufacturing and assembly experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "wearable military robotics" and rapid prototyping suggests a culture that is mission-driven, results-oriented, and values practical expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Pressure: The demand for fast turnaround times can be intense, requiring efficient time management and a high tolerance for pressure.

• Bridging Design & Reality: Translating complex CAD designs into functional physical parts, especially with varying manufacturing constraints and supplier capabilities.

• Supplier Reliability: Managing a network of external workshops to ensure consistent quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.

• International Communication: Overcoming potential language barriers and time zone differences when collaborating with engineers abroad.

• Adaptability to New Technologies: Staying current with advancements in 3D printing, CNC, and other fabrication methods to continuously improve output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Gaining hands-on experience with a wider array of advanced materials and manufacturing processes.

• DFM Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in Design for Manufacturability, influencing product design from an early stage.

• Robotics Systems Integration: Developing a deeper understanding of how components integrate into complex wearable robotic systems.

• Supplier Network Management: Enhancing skills in sourcing, vetting, and managing relationships with manufacturing partners.

• Operational Efficiency: Contributing to the optimization of the entire prototyping workflow within the Kyiv office.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a fantastic opportunity to become a highly skilled and versatile prototyping specialist in a cutting-edge industry. The challenges are directly tied to opportunities for skill development and practical problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Prototyping Process: "Describe a complex part you fabricated from CAD. Walk me through the entire process, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. What specific fabrication techniques did you use?" (Focus on detailing your hands-on involvement and problem-solving).

• Design for Manufacturability: "Imagine an engineer sent you a design that's difficult or expensive to manufacture. How would you approach providing feedback? Can you give an example of a modification you suggested and its impact?" (Prepare to discuss specific geometric changes and their benefits).

• Supplier Management: "How would you go about building a reliable network of local workshops in Kyiv for various fabrication needs (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing)?" (Think about criteria for selection, communication strategies, and quality control).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for a wearable military robotics company, and specifically in a hands-on prototyping role?" (Align your passion with the company's mission and the role's requirements).

• Work Style: "This role requires a self-directed approach. Describe a time you took initiative to solve a problem or complete a task with minimal supervision." (Provide a STAR method example).

• English Proficiency: "How comfortable are you communicating technical details and providing daily updates in English to an international team?" (Be ready to speak English fluently throughout the interview).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by fabrication technique.

• Narrative: For each example, tell a story: the problem, your solution (the part/assembly), the process, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-resolution images and videos. Short videos demonstrating assembly or part function can be very impactful.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specific materials, tools, and techniques used, as well as any trade-offs made.

• DFM Examples: Clearly highlight any instances where you improved a design for manufacturability and explain the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on practical demonstrations of skill and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail and articulate your thought process clearly in English.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mechanical Engineer, Prototyping position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific prototyping projects, fabrication techniques used (CNC, 3D printing, sheet metal), CAD software proficiency, and any experience with robotics or complex electromechanical assemblies. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced prototype lead time by X%").

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a strong portfolio that showcases your hands-on work. Include photos/videos of parts you've fabricated, assemblies you've built, and any examples of design modifications for manufacturability. Be ready to walk through these examples during an interview.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience and technical knowledge in English, focusing on your ability to explain complex processes clearly and concisely. Prepare answers for common prototyping and problem-solving questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the company's focus on wearable military robotics and understand the demands of rapid prototyping in such a critical industry. Research common fabrication methods and challenges relevant to this field.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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