Mechanical Engineer (UAS Drones)

TL;DR

Mechanical Engineer (UAS Drones): Designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating mechanical systems into flight hardware and ground control systems with an accent on electromechanical systems for drones and multi-axis camera gimbals in high-volume production. Focus on system-level architecture, FEA analysis including modal, thermal, and aerodynamic, and scalable manufacturing processes.

Location: In-person at FlightWave facility in Torrance, California. Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (ITAR/EAR requirements, no sponsorship)

Salary: $110k – $137k

Company

Dynamic drone technology company manufacturing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for defense, public safety, and government security.

What you will do

• Design electromechanical systems for UAS platforms using SolidWorks
• Prototype, test, and refine designs for scalable manufacturing
• Develop production tools, fixtures, and automation jigs
• Manage engineering drawings, revisions, and product documentation
• Maintain product data in PDMS for accuracy and traceability
• Identify and qualify vendors and manufacturing partners
• Create assembly, inspection, test procedures, and product requirements
• Participate in NPI process with hands-on hardware builds and system bring-up
• Contribute to design, build, and flight testing of advanced drone platforms

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 3+ years industry experience in design-focused engineering role
• 3+ years hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD (NX, Creo, AutoCAD)
• Proven ability to drive system-level architecture and full lifecycle product development
• Proven FEA analysis experience (modal, thermal, aerodynamic)
• Experience designing for high-rate production, rapid prototyping, and new product development
• Excellence in problem-solving, strong written and verbal communication

Nice to have

• Experience with BLDC motor systems, PCB layout, flexible PCBs, cable routing
• Background in robotics, UAVs/drones, autonomous systems
• Familiarity with camera modules, imaging systems, optical integration
• Collaboration with EE teams on PCBA layout, DFM/DFX
• Microcontroller-based tools for testing/production
• Knowledge of structural composites (carbon fiber), mold/tooling design
• Thermal, aerodynamic, vibration simulation analysis
• Composite layup processes and DFM for composites

Culture & Benefits

• Generous annual equity package and potential bonuses
• EEO employer
• Background check required
• E-Verify participation for work eligibility

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 15 lb
• Work on feet for 5+ hours daily