We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is responsible for the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other aerospace applications. This role focuses on creating innovative and reliable mechanical components for UAVs, ensuring their structural integrity, performance, and compliance with industry standards. The engineer will work with cross-functional teams to advance UAS technologies in sectors such as defense, commercial aviation, and space exploration.

Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Design mechanical components and systems for UAVs and other aerospace vehicles, including airframes, propulsion systems, control surfaces, landing gears, and payload integration.
• Prototyping and Testing: Build and test UAV prototypes to ensure mechanical reliability and performance, including ground and flight tests to validate designs.
• Structural Analysis: Conduct stress, strain, and fatigue analysis on UAV structures and systems to ensure they can withstand operational conditions such as high speeds, altitudes, and varying temperatures.
• Thermal Management: Design and analyze thermal systems to manage heat dissipation, especially for high-performance UAVs and aerospace applications.
• System Integration: Collaborate with electrical, avionics, and software engineers to integrate mechanical systems with sensors, communication, and control systems in unmanned aircraft.
• Material Selection: Evaluate and select lightweight, high-performance materials for UAVs, optimizing for fuel efficiency, durability, and strength.
• Failure Analysis: Perform root cause analysis on mechanical system failures and develop solutions to enhance the safety and performance of UAVs.
• UAV Maintenance and Repair Procedures: Develop guidelines for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of UAV mechanical systems to ensure long- term operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs meet relevant UAS regulations and industry standards.
• Engage in R&D for cutting-edge UAS technologies, including autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, and advanced composite materials. 
• Documentation: Create detailed reports, design specifications, maintenance manuals, and testing documentation for UAS mechanical systems. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 3-7+ years of experience in engineering roles.

Skills:

• 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 simulation tools
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and ability to mentor
• Some experience in project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in CAD primarily for aerospace and UAS applications
• Proficiency in detailed design including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and drafting.
• Understanding of UAV manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and advanced composite materials.
• Familiarity with UAV-specific regulations and broader aerospace certification processes (e.g., DO-160, AS9100).
• Strong project management skills

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA

Level III - $122k - $151k

Level IV - $151k - $182k