Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Performance Drone Works

$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years experience in design of electromechanical components and systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
  • Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks) and DFM for various manufacturing techniques.
  • Skilled in complex design, surface modeling, and industrial design.
  • Experience with mechanical design review and root cause analysis.
  • Ability to create engineering drawings that meet industry standards and apply GD&T.
  • Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead advanced 3D CAD modeling and design reviews for complex systems.
  • Serve as subject matter expert on material selection and test strategy.
  • Oversee prototype builds and validation testing for design integrity.
  • Define and execute test plans to ensure standards compliance.
  • Manage CAD assemblies and establish configuration best practices.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical oversight.
  • Collaborate with teams to transition designs into scalable production.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage with 80% company sponsorship.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company matching.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • On-site gym access.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
Full Job Description
Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in the expansion of the Mechanical Engineering team at PDW. What You'll Do • Lead advanced 3D CAD modeling, design reviews, and simulation/analysis for complex systems. • Serve as subject matter expert on core projects, guiding material selection, DFM/DFA, and test strategy. • Oversee prototype builds, root cause analysis, and validation testing to ensure design integrity. • Define, review, and execute test plans, ensuring compliance with performance and regulatory standards. • Manage CAD assemblies and establish best practices for configuration and integration. • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical oversight across the team. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition designs into scalable production. • Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives. Requirements • 7+ years of work experience in design and development of electromechanical components, assemblies, and systems. • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or a technically related field. • Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks) and DFM for Injection Molding, Machining, Additive Manufacturing. • Skilled in complex design, surface modeling, and industrial design. • Experience in mechanical design review and root cause analysis. • Ability to make high quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards and application of GD&T. • Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills. • Experience in electronic product and UAS design. • Experience in bringing products through full product life cycle. • Strong success rate of receiving and interpreting design direction from creative partners. • Strong interdisciplinary skills across other engineering departments. • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). Work Environment This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand. Benefits PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include: • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company. • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match. • Paid Parental Leave. • On-site gym. • Employer provided life insurance. • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP). • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Performance Drone Works

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs: