Responsibilities:
- Lead the mechanical engineering function, overseeing the design and development of air vehicle structures, airframes, and related mechanical systems for defense platforms.
- Drive the end-to-end mechanical design process, from conceptual design and CAD modeling through prototyping, testing, and integration into unmanned air vehicles.
- Develop lightweight, high-strength structural designs for airframes, ensuring durability, performance, and compliance with mission-critical requirements.
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines, including propulsion, avionics, and systems integration, to deliver systems optimized for aerodynamics, thermal management, and load-bearing performance.
- Provide technical mentorship and leadership to the mechanical engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, precision, and mission focus.
- Ensure that mechanical systems and airframe designs are optimized for manufacturability and scalability, enabling high-volume production at decentralized factories.
- Develop and refine assembly, integration, and testing processes for complex mechanical systems, leveraging advanced automation and rapid prototyping techniques.
- Research and implement emerging materials and manufacturing technologies, including composite materials, additive manufacturing, and lightweight alloys.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on air vehicle structures, airframes, and complex mechanical systems.
- Proven ability to take mechanical systems from concept to prototype, with hands-on experience in design, testing, and iteration.
- Expertise in structural analysis, aeroelasticity, and materials science for air vehicle and airframe applications.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) to drive design decisions and ensure system integrity.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including composites fabrication, machining, and additive manufacturing, with a focus on lightweight, high-strength designs.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide and inspire a high-performing engineering team.
Salary
Competitive
Monthly based
Location
Huntington Beach, California, United States
Job Overview
Location
Huntington Beach, California, United States