Mechanical Engineer
$140,000–$170,000 year
On-siteWinchester, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Lead design and development of complex airframe structures, subsystems, and tooling across prototype and production stages. Architect workflows and analyses ensuring manufacturability and reliability while defining validation strategies to oversee structural and system-level tests. Provide technical direction during design reviews, mentor early-career engineers, and resolve cross-disciplinary issues through structured problem-solving. Partner with cross-functional leads in engineering, manufacturing, and programs to drive alignment and influence decision-making with data-driven guidance. Take ownership of complex problems to ensure technical quality and program goals are met.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5–10 years in mechanical engineering
- Experience preferably in UAV, aerospace, defense, or complex hardware environments
- Deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and system integration
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo)
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex subsystem development and solve advanced technical challenges with sound judgment
- Understands how design decisions impact full system performance, manufacturability, and lifecycle reliability
- Works effectively across disciplines, values diverse perspectives, and builds strong working relationships
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic, takes ownership of outcomes, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve products and processes
- Invests in developing others, shares knowledge openly, and elevates team performance
- Communicates clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to work in office, lab, manufacturing, and test environments
- Ability to stand, walk, and support hands-on build and integration activities
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 lbs as needed
- Ability to perform extended computer-based work (CAD, analysis, documentation)
- Ability to travel occasionally for testing, supplier visits, or program support
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- 8+ years of aerospace or UAV mechanical engineering experience
- Hands-on experience building, prototyping, and testing complex systems
- Advanced CAD/CAE and structural analysis expertise
- Experience leading subsystem design and production transition
- Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to technical leadership
- Familiarity with certification, regulatory, or defense standards
- Customer or supplier-facing technical experience
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