Our partner is building a next-generation drone platform from the ground up and is looking for a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to help design, build, and iterate on real-world systems.
This isn't a “design in CAD and hand it off” role, you'll be involved across the full lifecycle: concept prototype testing deployment. You'll work closely with the electrical, software, and autonomy teams to bring a tightly integrated system to the real world.
If you've worked on drones, robotics, aerospace, or other hardware-heavy systems and like building things that actually get used in the field, this will feel familiar.
What you'll do
- Design and develop mechanical systems for drone platforms (airframe, enclosures, mounting, payload integration)
- Own the full prototyping cycle, from early concepts to field-ready hardware
- Work closely with electrical and software teams to ensure tight system integration
- Build, test, and iterate quickly, balancing performance, weight, durability, and manufacturability
- Support flight testing and debug real-world issues as they come up
- Drive design decisions around materials, thermal considerations, and structural integrity
- Help establish early hardware processes as the team scales
What we're looking for
- 3–8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in drones, robotics, aerospace, or similar systems
- Strong CAD experience
- Experience building and iterating on physical prototypes (not just designing)
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes (CNC, injection molding, 3D printing, etc.)
- Understanding of structural, thermal, and vibration considerations in real-world systems
- Comfortable working in fast-moving, ambiguous environments
Nice to have
- Experience with UAV/drone systems
- Background in mechatronics or tightly integrated hardware/software systems
- Experience with lightweight structures or high-performance materials
- Exposure to field testing or deployment environments
Why this role
- Early team, real ownership, and impact
- Build from 0 1, not maintain legacy systems
- Work on real-world systems, not just simulations
- Tight, highly technical team focused on execution
Job Title and Compensation
- The compensation range for this position is between $150,000 and $240,000, based on full-time employment.
- Actual salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and work location.
- Open positions are based on job competencies that are specific to each role. If you are offered a position, the job title may be different from what is advertised to align with the role's competencies and your specific background, experience, and interview results.