Staff Engineer responsible for the full mechanical design lifecycle of electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical landing gear systems for autonomous UAVs, including concept development, CAD, analysis, prototyping, testing, and cross-functional collaboration with avionics and structures teams.
130k – 200k
On-site7+ YOEHardware Engineering
About the role
What you'll do
Design electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical landing gear for autonomous aircraft
Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, 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, and structures 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)
Experience with UAVs, aircraft, rotorcraft, or other landable air systems
Kinematic analysis and optimization of retractable landing gear systems
Knowledge of tire, wheel, and brake selection along with brake control systems
Familiarity with nose wheel steering systems
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
Preferred qualifications
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, actuated mechanism, or AS6053 drop testing experience
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
Skills
CADNxFEAGD&TKinematic AnalysisStructural AnalysisMechanical DesignMechanism DesignMaterials SelectionUav DesignAircraft Systems
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