Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

We’re looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Design Engineer to own real flight and ground hardware from concept through test and iteration. This builder role involves designing, fabricating, assembling, breaking, and fixing hardware that operates in harsh environments, while collaborating closely with structures, propulsion, avionics, and other teams.

Key responsibilities

• Design and own mechanical hardware for flight vehicles and ground support equipment (structures, tanks, mounts, mechanisms, test hardware).
• Take parts from CAD to drawings to fabrication to assembly to test, with full ownership of outcomes.
• Design for manufacturability, rapid iteration, and imperfect real‑world conditions.
• Support and participate in test campaigns, including on‑site troubleshooting and repairs.
• Work directly with propulsion and test engineers to resolve mechanical issues uncovered during testing.
• Perform hand calculations and run FEA simulations.
• Continuously improve internal design, build, and test workflows as the organization scales.

Required profile

• Demonstrable experience designing and building real mechanical hardware that has been tested in the field.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and ability to produce build‑ready drawings.
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing methods (machining, welding, sheet metal, composites, rapid prototyping).
• Comfort working hands‑on with hardware, tools, and test equipment.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and progress with incomplete information.
• Willingness to spend time in the shop and at remote test sites when needed.
• Experience level is flexible; focus is on what you have built rather than years of service.

Required skills

• SolidWorks
• NX
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Hand calculations
• Machining
• Welding
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Composites
• Rapid prototyping

What we offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful stock options.
• Healthcare, office meals & snacks.
• Direct mentorship from founders and engineers with extensive flight heritage.
• Fast upward mobility as the company grows.