Mechanical Engineer (UAS Drones)

TL;DR

Mechanical Engineer (UAS Drones): Designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating electromechanical systems for unmanned aircraft systems and ground control hardware with an accent on SolidWorks, FEA, high-rate production, and new product introduction. Focus on developing flight hardware, production tooling, system-level architecture, and validating advanced drone platforms.

Location: Onsite in Carson initially; the office is expected to move to the Torrance area in Q1 2026. This position requires U.S. work authorization due to ITAR/EAR-controlled technology.

Company

FlightWave, a subsidiary of hirify.global, develops and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems for defense, public safety, and government security applications.

What you will do

• Design electromechanical systems for UAS platforms using SolidWorks or comparable CAD tools.
• Prototype, test, refine, and prepare mechanical designs for scalable, high-rate manufacturing.
• Develop production tools, fixtures, automation jigs, assembly procedures, and inspection documentation.
• Manage engineering drawings, revisions, product data, and lifecycle documentation.
• Support vendor qualification, new product introduction, hands-on hardware builds, and system bring-up.
• Contribute to the design, build, and flight testing of advanced drone platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms such as NX, Creo, or AutoCAD.
• Experience with system-level architecture decisions, full lifecycle product development, and systems engineering principles.
• Experience performing FEA, including modal, thermal, and aerodynamic analysis.
• Experience with high-rate production, rapid prototyping, and new product development; ability to lift 15 lb and work on foot for more than 5 hours per day.
• Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

Nice to have

• Experience with BLDC motor systems, PCB layout, flexible PCBs, cable routing, and electromechanical integration.
• Background in robotics, UAVs, drones, autonomous systems, camera modules, or imaging systems.
• Experience with microcontroller-based tools, composite materials, tooling, composite layup, or design for manufacturability.
• Experience with thermal, aerodynamic, or transient vibration simulation.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a growing drone technology environment focused on defense, public safety, and government security.
• Participate in hands-on hardware development, production, and flight testing.
• Employment is subject to a post-offer background check and E-Verify employment eligibility verification.
• Equal employment opportunity protections apply in accordance with federal, state, and local law.