Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in the expansion of the Mechanical Engineering team at PDW as we transition products from concept into mass production.

What You’ll Do

• Design and analyze mechanical components and assemblies for drones, payloads, and supporting systems.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, BOMs, and other engineering documentation.
• Build, prototype, and test hardware to rapidly develop and refine product designs.
• Plan and execute validation testing, analyze failures, and implement design improvements.
• Design test fixtures, assembly jigs, and other tooling to support engineering and manufacturing.
• Apply sound engineering practices including DFM, DFA, and tolerance analysis to create robust, manufacturable designs.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality engineers throughout product development.
• Support the transition of new products from prototype to production and help solve manufacturing challenges.

Requirements

• 2-4 years of work experience in design and development of electromechanical components, assemblies, and systems.
• Experience in design and development of electromechanical components, assemblies, and systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or a technically related field.
• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling and experience in DFM for Injection Molding, Machining, Additive Manufacturing
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Experience in mechanical design review and product testing.
• Ability to create high-quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards.
• Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills.
• Strong success rate of receiving and interpreting design direction from creative partners.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Strong interdisciplinary skills across other engineering departments.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred

• Working experience with 3D printing.
• Experience in UAV aircrafts, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment.

Work Environment

• This position typically operates in a standard manufacturing environment.
• This role requires use of standard machine shop and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities.
• This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments.
• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.

This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gy m at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.