Vehicle Configuration Design Engineer

Mach Industries

$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years experience in aerospace systems design, particularly UAS.
  • Ability to integrate multidisciplinary inputs (aerodynamics, structures, systems).
  • Experience with trade studies and stakeholder presentations.
  • Proficient in CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA) with strong surfacing skills.
  • Familiar with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), environmental loads, and structural design.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop UAS vehicle configuration at conceptual and preliminary levels.
  • Create CAD models and engineering drawings for the vehicle.
  • Coordinate cross-disciplinary trade studies to optimize weight, performance, and manufacturability.
  • Interface with engineering, flight test, manufacturing, and supply chains for design evaluations.
  • Present trade studies, risks, and solutions to internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Retirement plans for long-term financial security.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Full Job Description
The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Vehicle Configuration Design Engineer. In this role, you will drive the overall configuration of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of advanced defense programs. You'll handle the development of high-performance airframes from mission requirements through flight-ready prototypes. Operating in a fast-paced environment, this role demands technical rigor, design leadership, and a broad understanding of aerospace engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities
  • Overall design and development of UAS vehicle configuration at the conceptual and preliminary design levels, integrating inputs from all disciplines.
  • Own the creation of CAD models and engineering drawings for the overall vehicle, including the OML.
  • Coordinate cross-disciplinary trade studies to balance weight, performance, modularity, and manufacturability.
  • Interface with other engineering disciplines, flight test, manufacturing, and supply-chain teams to evaluate design changes.
  • Present trade studies, risks, and solutions to internal teams and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
  • 3+ years experience in overall design of aerospace systems, especially UAS, with demonstrated ability to integrate inputs across disciplines, including aerodynamics, structures, systems, and more.
  • Experience performing trade studies and presenting design decisions to a variety of stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in CAD (NX, CATIA, or equivalent), with strong surfacing skills.
  • Familiarity with DFM, environmental loads, and structural design.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-speed and/or high altitude design requirements.
  • Experience with the development of LO platforms.
  • Experience with Class A surfacing.
  • Track record of building and flight-testing UAS platforms.


Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Mach Industries

  • GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation
    $90K — $120K *
    Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (Orange County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Structural Engineer
    $90K — $120K *
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (San Luis Obispo County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer
    $90K — $120K *
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (San Luis Obispo County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Head of Safety
    $120K — $150K *
    Victorville, CA 92392 (San Bernardino County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Facilities Manager
    $75K — $95K *
    Victorville, CA 92392 (San Bernardino County)
    Real Estate & Construction
    In-Person

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Vehicle Configuration Design Engineer jobs: