Mechanical Engineer

About the role

• Title: Mechanical Engineer
• Company: Heven AeroTech
• Location: Winchester, Virginia
• FLSA: Exempt

Role Summary

The Mechanical Engineer is a highly skilled engineer with deep expertise in mechanical engineering and a strong understanding of airframe design, structural analysis, and system integration. Responsibilities include delivering complex engineering solutions in the design, testing, and integration of mechanical systems for unmanned aerial platforms.

This role leads subsystem development and contributes to the refinement of airframe assemblies, tooling, and structural components across prototype and production stages. Delivers high-quality technical work with attention to manufacturability, performance, and readiness.

We are seeking engineers who are hungry, humble, and smart-individuals who take initiative, continuously seek to improve, collaborate effectively, and apply sound engineering judgment to solve complex problems.

This role collaborates cross-functionally to solve challenging problems, supports engineering excellence through mentorship, and may influence project direction through informal technical leadership or interaction with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex airframe structures, subsystems, and tooling across prototype and production stages.
• Architect workflows, technical drawings, and analyses that ensure manufacturability, performance, and long-term reliability.
• Provide technical direction during design reviews and guide less experienced engineers in best practices.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and initiative by proactively identifying design improvements and new approaches. (Hungry)
• Lead integration of complex airframe structures and subsystems, ensuring alignment across design, test, and production.
• Define validation strategies, oversee execution of structural and system-level tests, and interpret results to guide design refinements.
• Provide technical leadership in readiness reviews and resolve cross-disciplinary issues.
• Apply strong engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to complex technical challenges. (Smart)
• Partner with cross-functional leads in engineering, manufacturing, and programs to drive alignment.
• Lead initiatives to improve processes, tools, and documentation that strengthen product quality and efficiency.
• Influence decision-making through clear, data-driven technical guidance.
• Approach collaboration with respect, openness to feedback, and a team-first mindset. (Humble)
• Lead subsystem-level efforts or scoped projects, ensuring technical quality and alignment with program goals.
• Mentor early-career engineers and technicians, fostering growth and sharing best practices.
• Represent mechanical engineering in program reviews and contribute to technical direction.
• Take ownership of complex problems and drive them to resolution with accountability and follow-through. (Hungry & Smart)
• Model professionalism, humility, and a commitment to team success over individual recognition. (Humble)

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; Master's degree desirable.
• Experience: 5-10 years in mechanical engineering, preferably in UAV, aerospace, defense, or complex hardware environments.
• Deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and system integration. Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex subsystem development and solve advanced technical challenges with sound judgment. (Smart)
• Understands how design decisions impact full system performance, manufacturability, and lifecycle reliability.
• Works effectively across disciplines, values diverse perspectives, and builds strong working relationships. (Humble)
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, takes ownership of outcomes, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve products and processes. (Hungry)
• Invests in developing others, shares knowledge openly, and elevates team performance. (Humble)
• Communicates clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

• 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

Physical Requirements

• 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.

Benefits Overview

Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Posted Salary Range

$140,000—$170,000 USD