Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems
Staff Mechanical & Actuated Systems Engineer responsible for designing complex electro-mechanical mechanisms, actuators, and systems for autonomous UAVs. Owns full design cycle from concept through analysis, prototyping, testing, and production release on the X-BAT platform. Requires 7+ years mechanical design experience, strong CAD/FEA skills, and aerospace background.
About the job
What you'll do
- Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
- Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, and drawing release
- Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
- Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
- Collaborate with electrical, avionics, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams
- Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
Required qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Kinematic analysis and optimization
- Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
- FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
- GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
- Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
- Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
- Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
- RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
- Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
Skills
Mechanical Design, CAD, Nx, Kinematic Analysis, Structural Analysis, GD&T, Tolerance Stack-Ups, Materials Selection, Electro-Mechanical Mechanisms, Uav/Aircraft Systems
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