Mechanical Engineer III/IV

Zone 5 Technologies

$109K — $165K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 3-7+ years of engineering experience
  • Proficient in CAD and mechanical design software like SolidWorks
  • Experienced in GD&T, DFMA, and tooling design
  • Familiar with FEA and simulation tools
  • Knowledgeable in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with mentoring abilities

Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical components and systems for UAVs and aerospace vehicles
  • Prototype and test UAV designs for mechanical reliability and performance
  • Conduct structural analysis on UAV systems to ensure operational strength
  • Design and analyze thermal systems for high-performance UAVs
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams for system integration
  • Evaluate and select lightweight materials for UAV optimization
  • Conduct failure analysis on mechanical systems to improve safety

Benefits

  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
  • 401k plan with company match
  • Four weeks of paid time off annually
  • Twelve paid company holidays
Full Job Description
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 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Level III - $109k - $137k
Level IV - $137k - $165k

Pay range for this role

$109,000-$165,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

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