Mechanical Engineer V/VI

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Design Leadership
• Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for UAVs, including advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and payload integration.
• Advanced Prototyping and Testing
• Oversee the development and testing of UAV prototypes, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability goals.
• Comprehensive Structural Analysis
• Conduct and review in-depth stress, strain, and fatigue analysis for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions.
• THERMAL MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE
• Develop and implement innovative thermal systems for high-performance UAVs.
• Cross-Functional Integration
• Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems with avionics, sensors, and software controls.
• MATERIAL INNOVATION
• Drive research and development of advanced materials for UAV applications, focusing on composites and lightweight alloys.
• FAILURE ANALYSIS AND SOLUTIONS
• Lead root cause analysis of mechanical failures and propose long-term, impactful solutions.
• Regulatory Compliance Leadership
• Ensure all designs meet and exceed UAS regulations and industry certifications.
• RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
• Spearhead R&D initiatives to advance UAS technologies, including autonomous navigation and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Mentorship and Leadership
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth within the team.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Author comprehensive technical documentation, including design reviews, test reports, and compliance certifications.

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor’s, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience
• 10+ years of experience in engineering roles.
• Skills
• Advanced proficiency in CAD and mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and drafting.
• Experience with design for manufacturability (DFMA) and tooling design.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and other advanced simulation tools.
• Experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and ability to mentor.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in CAD primarily for aerospace and UAS applications.
• Experience with advanced simulation tools (e.g. FEA, CFD).
• Expertise in structural mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics.
• In depth knowledge of UAV manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and advanced composite materials.
• Familiarity with advanced UAV-specific regulations and broader aerospace certification processes (e.g., DO-160, AS9100).

Pay Range

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Level V - $182k - $212k
Level VI - $212k - $238k
Pay range for this role: $182,000 USD - $238,000 USD