Mechanical Engineer

Role overview

This role sits within a fast-moving UAV business where drone hardware and structural design are central to the product line. The Mechanical Engineer will own mechanical development work for drone components and assemblies, and must be comfortable operating across a wide range of mechanical engineering tasks.

Core technical capabilities

• Build on a strong grounding in mechanical design, structural engineering, and material behavior.
• Use CAD software effectively, such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or comparable tools.
• Develop parts and assemblies that are ready for production release.
• Prepare precise engineering drawings, including GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Apply lightweight design principles and choose materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastics.
• Use FEA or first-principles methods to analyze structural and thermal issues.
• Prototype hands-on using methods like 3D printing, CNC machining, composites, or manual fabrication.
• Design with manufacturability and assembly efficiency in mind.
• Carry concepts from early ideation through prototyping, validation, and production.
• Investigate mechanical failures and determine root causes under real operating conditions.
• Account for vibration, shock, and thermal behavior in dynamic systems.
• Work with vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturers as needed.

Preferred background

• Experience in drones, UAVs, aerospace, or robotics is a plus.
• Exposure to FPV hardware such as frames, mounts, and propulsion integration is helpful.
• Experience with composites and carbon-fiber structures is desirable.
• Knowledge of motors, propulsion, or rotating machinery would be advantageous.
• Experience designing systems where vibration control is critical is valued.
• Background supporting production scale-up or field reliability improvements is useful.
• Prior work on test fixtures, jigs, or validation setups is preferred.
• Understanding of cross-functional systems that combine mechanics with electronics or embedded hardware is a plus.
• Practical building experience with RC aircraft, drones, robotics, or similar projects is welcome.
• Interest in FPV flying or hands-on drone systems is beneficial.

Personal strengths

• Comfort working in a fast-paced hardware environment with frequent iteration.
• Strong ownership mindset and commitment to doing the job thoroughly.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and improve hardware through rapid iteration.
• Collaborative approach when working with mechanical, electrical, and firmware teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis abilities.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines.

Education and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience, is required.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in mechanical engineering or hardware engineering is required.

Benefits

The company provides health, dental, and vision insurance, basic life insurance, additional life insurance, AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off.