UAV Mechanical Engineer

Description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced UAV Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of unmanned aerial vehicle structures and mechanisms. This role focuses on mechanical design, structural components, and manufacturable solutions for advanced UAV platforms.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on design experience, a solid understanding of composite structures, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Salary: $130,000 to $150,000

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical structures and mechanisms for UAV platforms
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and drawings using SolidWorks
• Design airframe components, mounts, mechanisms, and structural assemblies
• Support composite structure design, including material selection and layup concepts
• Work closely with manufacturing to ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA)
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, electrical, avionics, and systems engineering teams
• Support structural analysis, tolerance analysis, and design trade studies
• Assist with prototype builds, ground testing, and flight testing
• Perform troubleshooting and iterative design improvements based on test results
• Maintain mechanical documentation and configuration control

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on advanced UAV platforms
• Close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team
• High-impact role with direct contribution to flight hardware
• Dynamic and technically challenging work environment

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of UAV-related experience or experience in aerospace or similar high-performance systems
• Strong experience designing mechanisms and structural components
• Familiar with 3-D printing techniques
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and documentation
• Familiarity with composite materials and composite manufacturing processes
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience with composite airframes and lightweight structures
• Familiarity with UAV integration, ground testing, and flight test support
• Experience with aerospace materials, fasteners, and structural bonding techniques
• Knowledge of structural testing and validation methods