What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Systems Engineer (Engineer 1) position at Shipshape AgWorks?
Location: Birmingham, AL
Compensation: $85,000–$95,000
About the Role
Shipshape AgWorks is building some of the world’s most advanced vertical farming systems, combining AI, robotics, and real-world resilience. We’re looking for a Mechanical Systems Engineer who thrives in multidisciplinary environments and wants to help us build scalable, high-performance systems that change how food is grown.
This is a hands-on, systems-level engineering role with room to grow. You'll work across mechanical, electrical, and control systems to ensure every subsystem contributes to a reliable, sustainable whole.
Responsibilities
- Design and analyze mechanical systems, including material properties and stress/strain dynamics
- Integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems for optimal performance
- Manage cross-functional projects with attention to quality, safety, budget, and delivery
- Develop specifications and vet vendors for performance and compliance
- Identify and troubleshoot system and component-level issues
- Support system testing, quality, and field readiness
- Collaborate with R&D, operations, and leadership on continuous improvement
- Contribute to safety-first design culture
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- 3–5 years of engineering experience (mechanical, systems, or controls)
- Experience designing, analyzing, and integrating real-world systems
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Familiarity with controls and electronics (or willingness to learn quickly)
- Comfort in a startup or fast-paced innovation environment
- A mindset grounded in systems thinking, quality, and curiosity
Benefits
- 95% company-paid BCBS health insurance (if full-time)
- 3 weeks PTO 11 national holidays
- Stock options
- A collaborative and mission-driven work culture
- Office based at Innovation Depot (Downtown Birmingham)
Work Environment
This role is primarily based at our headquarters in the Innovation Depot in downtown Birmingham. Depending on the position, work may involve hands-on time in our hydroponic R&D lab, participation in farmers market events, or collaboration across digital and physical systems.
As a startup, our environment is fast-paced, evolving, and highly collaborative. Team members should be comfortable with shifting priorities, physical activity (standing, lifting, bending, etc.), and working with tools, technology, or plant systems in various stages of development.
We value flexibility, problem-solving, and a willingness to grow with the work.
Salary : $85,000 - $95,000
