Principal Motor Engineer
About The Position
Mettle Ops is seeking a Principal Motor Engineer to lead the development of DC brushless motors for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) applications. This critical role owns the complete motor development lifecycle-from concept through production-and serves as the technical authority for motor design, test methodology, and manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise in brushless motor design, stator winding processes, and test infrastructure development, with a proven ability to solve complex technical challenges while mentoring engineers and establishing best practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to build domestic motor manufacturing capability in support of both defense and commercial applications. Immediate Priorities The successful candidate will initially focus on: Stator Winding Leadership Apply advanced winding techniques, tension control, and multi-strand winding processes Elevate internal team capability through process definition and hands-on leadership Test Infrastructure Development Design and implement comprehensive motor test setups for performance validation and durability testing Prototype Troubleshooting Diagnose and resolve technical issues in current brushless motor prototypes Technical Roadmap Definition Define motor development strategy and establish design standards for the Celestus product line
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Extensive experience designing brushless DC motors
- Deep expertise in stator winding techniques and manufacturing processes
- Proven experience developing motor test infrastructure and validation methods
- Ability to serve as a senior technical authority across teams and programs
- Ability to work on-site in Madison Heights, MI
- Must meet ITAR requirements
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience supporting defense or aerospace motor applications
- Experience establishing in-house motor manufacturing capability
- Prior experience mentoring engineers and setting engineering standards
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical authority for all motor-related design and manufacturing decisions
- Define, own, and maintain the motor development technical roadmap
- Establish motor design standards, best practices, and documentation requirements
- Evaluate build vs. buy decisions for motor technologies and components
- Interface with customers on technical requirements and motor performance specifications
- Lead electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical motor design efforts
- Drive stator and rotor design optimization for performance, efficiency, and durability
- Troubleshoot complex motor performance, reliability, and manufacturability issues
- Support rapid iteration from prototype through production-ready designs
- Develop and document stator winding processes and assembly workflows
- Establish tooling, fixtures, and quality processes to support repeatable production
- Support supplier qualification and manufacturing readiness activities
- Collaborate with operations to scale domestic motor production
- Define motor test requirements and acceptance criteria
- Oversee performance, environmental, and life-cycle testing
- Analyze test data to drive design improvements and risk reduction
- Ensure test infrastructure supports both R&D and production validation
Benefits
- Define and own a mission-critical motor technology roadmap
- Build domestic manufacturing capability from the ground up
- High-visibility principal role with real authority and ownership
- Competitive compensation and benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
