Associate Mechanical Engineer

Young Community Developers • Irvine, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to design and develop airframe structures and mechanical assemblies for unmanned aircraft systems. This role involves creating robust, lightweight components, integrating subsystems within defined aircraft volumes, and supporting the full lifecycle from concept through build and test. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will contribute to detailed mechanical design, component packaging, and production‑ready documentation. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating closely with manufacturing and test personnel to ensure designs are practical, efficient to build, and aligned with performance and reliability goals. This position offers the opportunity to apply strong mechanical fundamentals, hands‑on problem solving, and design-for-manufacturing principles to drive high‑quality hardware into prototype and production environments.

Requirements

• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for part and assembly design (SolidWorks preferred).
• Aptitude to generate production‑ready mechanical drawings and documentation.
• Basic understanding of structural behavior, mechanical design principles, and lightweight component design.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and building Multi-copters, RC planes, or other robotics
• Hands‑on experience supporting prototype hardware builds, mechanical integration, composite fairings and structures, or test operations.
• Exposure to FEA tools or structural analysis workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop airframe structures, mechanical components, and assemblies for unmanned aircraft systems.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics subsystems within defined aircraft volumes.
• Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings that meet quality and configuration standards.
• Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to support sizing, basic structural assessment, tolerance considerations, and design trade studies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to incorporate design-for-manufacturing principles and ensure efficient, repeatable builds.
• Support fabrication, assembly, ground testing, and flight testing through hands‑on troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Incorporate feedback from testing, integration, and production into iterative design improvements.
• Work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and communicate technical status clearly

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting
• Annual bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees