Turn mechanical requirements into practical, buildable hardware, working directly on the production floor in fast prototype-test-iterate loops. This is not a drafting-only role: you will help decide what to build, explain why it should work, and improve it after fabrication and testing.
What you’ll do
- Create and revise parametric 3D CAD parts, assemblies, and dimensioned manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or a comparable mechanical CAD system.
- Reason through load paths, stiffness, fasteners, materials, tolerances, and mechanical interfaces; identify what needs calculation, testing, or engineering review before use.
- Select suitable off-the-shelf mechanisms and components where they solve the problem; make thoughtful build-versus-buy decisions rather than redesigning proven solutions unnecessarily.
- Apply design for manufacture and assembly across FDM additive and machined parts, including tool access, fit, assembly sequence, serviceability, cost, and lead time.
- Run rapid prototype-test-iterate cycles on-site; use fabrication and test results to revise the design.
- Maintain drawings, bills of materials, and interface documents in a controlled, docs-first system.
- Write assembly and build documentation for technicians.
- Collaborate with engineering teams, technicians, and vendors across disciplines; coordinate orders for components and machined parts.
- Design fixtures and tooling; support bench and field testing, including travel to test sites (up to approximately 30% when scheduled). Prior flight-test experience is not required.
What you bring
- Hands-on proficiency with mechanical CAD: you must be able to independently model and revise parts and assemblies and produce usable manufacturing drawings. CAD familiarity alone is not enough.
- Demonstrated mechanical design judgment: explain load paths, mechanism and component choices, tolerances, manufacturing methods, and how a design was tested or improved.
- Working knowledge of DFM for additive and machined parts.
- Evidence of hardware you personally designed and built, fabricated, or helped bring into use. Professional, personal, trade, and team projects are welcome; clearly identify your own contribution.
- Clear communication with engineers, technicians, and vendors in a multidisciplinary team.
- Aircraft, aerospace, UAVs, RC aircraft, or lightweight structures and mechanisms are strongly desired. Electromechanical design in robotics, automation, automotive/motorsports, or other built hardware is also valuable. CFD or other simulation experience and data analysis are pluses.
- Please include a portfolio link or shareable examples of your work: CAD screenshots, drawings, photos of built hardware, or a short project write-up. Do not share confidential or proprietary material you are not authorized to disclose.
- No degree or minimum years of experience required. A four-year engineering degree is not a substitute for demonstrated CAD proficiency and design capability.
- A motor-vehicle-record check applies for field-test support.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.