Principal Mechanical Engineer

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Torrance, CA

1d•$181,240 - $283,245•Onsite

About The Position

RedCat Aerial, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, fabricate, test, and integrate mechanical systems into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flight hardware and ground control systems. The role serves as the technical authority for mechanical and system-level changes, leads mechanically intensive projects, and advises the business on new ideas and products. The ideal candidate has experience designing drones and/or multi-axis camera gimbals for high-volume production. The engineer will design electromechanical UAS systems in SolidWorks, validate and prepare designs for scalable manufacturing through DFMEA, NPI, and sustaining processes, and develop manufacturing tools, fixtures, and automation jigs. The role also involves qualifying vendors and manufacturing partners, preparing assembly, inspection, and test documentation, and participating hands-on in NPI by building hardware systems. The position includes designing and building drones and flying them. The position is located at Flightwave in Torrance, California. It requires the ability to lift 15 pounds and work on one's feet for more than five hours each day. Candidates must complete a post-offer background check. Work involving ITAR/EAR-controlled items requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and work authorization that does not require sponsorship for export-restricted work. The company participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
10 or more years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
Demonstrated experience leading a team or project from cradle to grave.
Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration abilities with a clear communication strategy.
Strong problem-solving skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
10 or more years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms such as NX, Creo, or AutoCAD.
Ability to drive system-level architecture decisions and support full-lifecycle product development using systems engineering principles.
Ability to perform FEA, including modal, thermal, and aerodynamic analysis.
Experience designing for high-rate production, including rapid prototyping and new product development.
Ability to lift 15 pounds and work on one's feet for more than five hours each day.
For work subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
Successful completion of a post-offer background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with BLDC motor system design and integration.
Background in flexible PCB and cable routing design for high-reliability motion systems.
Experience in robotics, UAVs/drones, or related industries.
Familiarity with camera systems and other optical components.
Experience supporting PCBA layout and production from a mechanical engineering perspective.
Experience with microcontroller programming for test fixtures, production systems, or related hardware.
Knowledge of structural composite design, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, and composite mold design.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical authority for mechanical and system-level changes.
Lead mechanically intensive projects and advise the business on new ideas and products.
Design electromechanical systems for UAS in SolidWorks.
Prototype and validate designs and prepare them for scalable manufacturing through DFMEA, NPI, and sustaining processes.
Develop and build manufacturing tools, fixtures, and automation jigs.
Identify and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners.
Draft assembly procedures, inspection and test procedures, test reports, and product requirements documents.
Participate hands-on in NPI, including building hardware systems.
Design, build, and fly drones.