About the RoleHavocAI is seeking a Senior Rapid Prototyping Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a Department of Defense (DoD) fieldable, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) platform.
This role is for an engineer who wants to spend significant time working directly with hardware. You will turn early concepts into functioning prototypes, integrate mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshoot vehicles, conduct tests, and make fast design changes based on what you learn.
Key Responsibilities- Rapidly turn concepts and requirements into functional drone prototypes
- Design and modify airframes, mechanisms, brackets, mounts, enclosures, payload interfaces, and vehicle components
- Build and assemble prototype unmanned aircraft and subsystems
- Integrate motors, propulsion systems, batteries, avionics, sensors, compute hardware, communications, equipment, and payloads
- Create quick-turn CAD designs and engineering drawings
- Use additive manufacturing, CNC machining, sheet metal, composites, and other fabrication methods to produce prototype parts
- Perform hands-on fabrication, assembly, rework, and modification of prototype hardware
- Develop test fixtures and experimental setups
- Support bench testing, ground testing, environmental testing, and flight testing
- Diagnose hardware and integration failures across mechanical and electromechanical systems
- Rapidly redesign components based on test results
Required Qualifications- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or equivalent practical engineering experience
- 3+ years developing physical hardware systems
- Demonstrated experience building and testing drones, UAVs, robotics, aircraft, or autonomous systems
- Strong mechanical CAD skills
- Significant hands-on experience building electromechanical prototypes
- Experience with multiple manufacturing and fabrication processes
- Strong mechanical intuition and ability to troubleshoot real-world hardware problems
- Comfortable using common shop tools and performing prototype assembly and modification
Preferred Qualifications- Personally designed, built, modified, or operated drones/UAVs
- Experience with multirotor, VTOL, fixed-wing, or hybrid UAV platforms
- Experience integrating electric propulsion systems
- Experience with motors, ESCs, batteries, servos, flight controllers, radios, GPS, sensors, or avionics
- RC aircraft, drone racing, experimental aircraft, robotics competition, or similar hands-on project experience
Benefits:- 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
- Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
- Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
- Equity Package
- Work / Home Office Stipend
- Global Entry
- 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
- Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend
