Job Description Job Description Lead Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Structures and Manufacturing SystemsFort Worth, Texas | On-siteOpportunity SummaryA fast-growing aerospace and defense company developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and manufacturing transition of next-generation aerospace hardware. This role will focus heavily on mechanical design execution, design for manufacturing, assembly optimization, and manufacturable aerospace structures across both prototype and production environments. The engineer will work across product development and manufacturing teams to ensure hardware is designed with scalability, repeatability, and efficient fabrication in mind from the beginning. While production support remains an important part of the role, the primary focus is driving strong engineering ownership around manufacturable mechanical systems, tooling integration, assembly methodologies, and practical hardware execution. This is a highly hands-on role suited for someone comfortable owning hardware from early concept development through release into manufacturing and long-term production scale-up.About UsWe are an early-stage aerospace and defense company building advanced aircraft systems designed for rapid deployment and scalable manufacturing. Our engineering team works closely across design, manufacturing, quality, and operations to develop flight-ready hardware capable of transitioning efficiently from prototype builds into repeatable production environments.Job DutiesLead mechanical design efforts across aircraft structures, assemblies, integrated subsystems, and production-support hardwareDrive design for manufacturing initiatives focused on simplifying fabrication, improving assembly efficiency, and reducing production complexityDevelop mechanical components, tooling concepts, fixtures, and manufacturing-support designs for aerospace hardware programsCollaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure designs translate efficiently into production environmentsSupport prototype development, first article builds, and manufacturing release activitiesCreate and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, tolerances, BOMs, assembly procedures, and manufacturing instructionsEvaluate and improve manufacturability of machined, composite, sheet metal, and precision aerospace componentsResolve tolerance stack-up, fitment, assembly, and integration issues throughout development and build activitiesSupport production readiness efforts, process validation, and manufacturing transition planningContribute to continuous improvement efforts related to assembly flow, tooling effectiveness, cost reduction, and production efficiencyPartner with cross-functional engineering teams to balance design intent, performance, manufacturability, and long-term scalabilityProvide hands-on engineering support directly on the manufacturing floor during build, integration, and troubleshooting activitiesQualifications7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace structures, manufacturing engineering, or related hardware-focused environmentsStrong background designing aerospace structures, integrated mechanical systems, or complex electromechanical hardwareDemonstrated experience applying design for manufacturing principles within aerospace or advanced hardware programsHands-on experience supporting machining, tooling, composites, precision assemblies, or manufacturing process developmentExperience transitioning hardware from prototype development into scalable manufacturing environmentsStrong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, assembly methods, and mechanical integration practicesProficiency with 3D CAD design and engineering release workflowsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical disciplineComfortable working directly with hardware, technicians, suppliers, and manufacturing teams in fast-paced development environmentsStrong communication, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skillsPreferred ExperienceExperience supporting unmanned aircraft systems, aerospace vehicles, or defense hardware programsBackground working within prototype-heavy or rapid iteration engineering environmentsFamiliarity with aerospace configuration management and controlled engineering documentationExperience supporting composite structures, aerospace tooling, or integrated assembly systemsExposure to low-rate production, manufacturing scale-up, or production system developmentExperience balancing engineering performance requirements with practical manufacturing constraintsWhy Join UsOpportunity to lead mechanical design efforts on advanced aerospace platforms entering scaled manufacturingHigh ownership role with direct involvement across engineering, manufacturing, and hardware executionExposure to rapid aerospace development cycles and next-generation aircraft systemsCollaborative, highly technical environment focused on practical hardware development and iterationEarly-stage opportunity with strong long-term growth potential and technical influenceCompensation Details$150,000 - $190,000#LI-AV