Senior Mechanical Engineer – Composite Structure (UAV)

Location: Paris, France; on-site

Company

hirify.global is a next-generation defense prime developing autonomous and scalable defense systems for allied forces.

What you will do

• Design and prototype UAV composite structures and complex mechanical subsystems from concept through production.
• Own composite structural design, including material selection, laminate and ply orientation, sandwich structures, bonded and bolted joints, inserts, and load-introduction hard points.
• Design injection-moulded and CNC parts and integrate them with composite structures using design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Manage system-level constraints including thermal management, mass, cost, rigidity, manufacturability, and environmental sealing.
• Define composite tooling and fabrication strategies, prioritizing rapid in-house carbon prototyping before series production processes.
• Lead structural testing, supplier collaboration, manufacturing oversight, documentation, and cross-functional integration of sensors, payloads, and electronics.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience designing and prototyping mechanical systems, ideally for UAVs, robotics, or defense applications.
• Strong knowledge of composite materials and carbon structure design, including laminate design, anisotropy, damage and delamination criteria, bonded joints, and metallic inserts.
• Hands-on experience with composite fabrication and tooling, including layup, vacuum bagging, infusion or prepreg, mould design, and rapid in-house prototyping.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and strong knowledge of plastic injection moulding, precision machining, and series composite processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document complex technical concepts and lead cross-functional discussions.

Nice to have

• Experience with structural and thermal analysis tools, including FEA and laminate or composite analysis.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on autonomous defense systems with real-world mission impact.
• Operate in a demanding environment focused on rigor, ownership, execution, and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Software, Industrialisation, suppliers, and external manufacturers.
• Contribute to establishing composite methods, standards, and knowledge-sharing practices.