Steel Mechanic

The Steel Mechanic spends much less time on mastering gadgets and instead focuses on building and piloting STs. Steel Mechanics gain an ST that naturally levels with them as they progress.

ST Mechanic (Ex)

At first level, the steel mechanic gains a level 1 Steel Trooper, choosing a valid base chassis for the ST. This ST automatically progresses in level with the steel mechanic, much like a summoner's eidolon, without needing to be taken to a mechanic shop. At each level, the steel mechanic can re-allocate the equipment points as desired; however, the base chassis cannot be altered. The steel mechanic treats her level as her ranks in Profession (ST Pilot) for the purposes of piloting this ST. 

If this ST is ever destroyed, it can be repaired in a suitable facility for 300*tinker level sy, rather than the normal price for repairing a destroyed ST.

This ability replaces servitor and servitor enhancements.

Mecha Combatant (Ex)

At first level, the steel mechanic gains a +1 bonus to BAB for attacks made with her unique ST's weapon systems. This bonus increases by 1 point per 4 tinker levels she possesses. This increase to BAB may permit her to make additional attacks (additional attacks are gained at 6, 11, and 16 BAB).

The steel mechanic is proficient with weapons equipped to her unique ST.

In exchange, the steel mechanic loses one gadget slot of every level she can create. If this results in having 0 slots, she cannot create gadgets of that level.

Bold Rider (Ex)

At first level, the steel mechanic redesigns the cockpit of her ST, allowing it to function either open or closed. It is a move action to open or close the cockpit. While open, the ST no longer blocks line of effect and line of sight for spells and other effects between its pilot and its exterior, allowing the steel mechanic to attack directly with gadgets and weapons, although she becomes targetable by ranged attacks and spells.

This replaces the bonus feat gained at first level.

Field Repair (Ex)

At fifth level, the steel mechanic can fully repair her unique ST in the field, even if it has been destroyed. Reviving it if it is destroyed has the same price as that listed in the ST Mechanic ability. Reparing hit point damage costs 10 sy/HP in gadget parts, and takes an hour per 10 HP. Repairing ability damage or drain costs 50 sy/point, and takes an hour per point. She can reduce both the cost and time of such repairs by 50% if she succeeds at a Craft(Steel Trooper) check with a DC equal to 25+ST level.

This replaces the bonus feat gained at fifth level.