Senior Mechanical Engineer, UAS

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready. We’re growing fast and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you’ll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member’s success.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop airframe structures and mechanical assemblies for unmanned aircraft systems. This role involves creating robust, lightweight components, integrating subsystems within defined aircraft volumes, and supporting the full lifecycle from concept through build and test. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will lead mechanical design efforts and contribute to detailed mechanical design, component packaging, and production-ready documentation. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating closely with manufacturing and test personnel to ensure designs are practical, efficient to build, and aligned with performance and reliability goals. This position offers the opportunity to apply strong mechanical fundamentals, hands-on problem solving, and design-for-manufactufacturing principles to drive high-quality hardware into prototype and production environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities for the system.
• Make trade decisions based on performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Provide technical guidance to aircraft Technical Lead to drive resolution to cross-disciplinary integration issues.
• Collaborate with and guide suppliers and internal manufacturing through tooling development, material selection, and production readiness to ensure cost-effective, high-quality production.
• Own the aircraft mass-properties model and ensure compliance with weight and center-of-gravity targets throughout the design cycle.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics subsystems within defined aircraft volumes.
• Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings that meet quality and configuration standards.
• Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to support sizing, basic structural assessment, tolerance considerations, and design trade studies.
• Support fabrication, assembly, ground testing, and flight testing through hands-on troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Incorporate feedback from testing, integration, and production into iterative design improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and review their designs for sound engineering practice.
• Work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and communicate technical status clearly.

Requirements

• 7+ years of mechanical design and engineering experience in aerospace or Unmanned Aircraft.
• Experience designing lightweight, load-bearing components where weight, stiffness, and strength are critical design drivers.
• Exposure to weight and CG tracking in aerospace or UAV development.
• Minimum of 6 months of engineering experience in the DoD or commercial aerospace environment.
• Ability to independently own mechanical design deliverables from concept through release.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for part and assembly design (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience generating production-ready mechanical drawings and documentation.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DFM, DFA, or production-oriented mechanical design practices.
• Background working with composite or lightweight metallic structures.
• Hands-on experience supporting prototype hardware builds, mechanical integration, or test operations.
• Exposure to FEA tools or structural analysis workflows (expertise not required).

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.

Travel required: Less than 10%.

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, and occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Pay

Salary: $125,000 – $175,000 annually. Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus.

Benefits

Our benefits are DZYNE’ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401(k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.