Principal Mechanical Engineer, Hardware
$147,800–$245,000 year
On-siteSeattle, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the end-to-end hardware development of drone applications, focusing on precision actuators, gimbals, and related mechanical systems. Role involves concept design, prototyping, testing, and validation across a full lifecycle; collaboration with software, electrical, perception, controls, and manufacturing teams; designing flight hardware and test setups; establishing top-level design architectures; documenting analysis and testing results; partnering with Industrial Design to meet design intent; and mentoring the mechanical engineering team. Desired experience includes kinematics, dynamics, control systems, motion control, and familiarity with safety-critical drone operations.
Desired Qualifications
- Extensive experience designing mechanical solutions for Aerospace, Robotics, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, or related industries
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
- Experience working with domestic and international supply chain partners
- In-depth understanding of packaging for electronics, designing for high-stress shock & vibe environments; experience with failure analysis and FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Strong knowledge of motor types (DC, stepper, brushless, servo) and motor drive systems, including speed controllers and feedback mechanisms. Experience in motor selection, control (PWM, PID), and integration for high-performance, precision applications.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently and in a small team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
- Experience developing mechanical solutions for UAV/UAS used in commercial, industrial, or defense applications
- Try the hard stuff
- Be innovative - Invent the future
- Move fast
- Listen to end-users
- Strive for excellence
- Don’t build a dystopia
- Be frugal
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