Mechanical Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Flightwave - Torrance, CA 90503Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $137,280.00 SalaryFlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Mechanical Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating a range of mechanical systems into flight hardware and ground control systems. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical design of drones and/or multi-axis camera gimbals in high volume production applications.

Location Note: The role will start in Carson, but the office is expected to move to the Torrance area in Q1 2026.

 

 


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions of a job that are crucial to its purpose and must be performed regularly. They are the fundamental tasks that an employee must be able to carry out, with or without reasonable accommodation, and are central to defining the role's purpose.





Design electromechanical systems for UAS platforms using SolidWorks
Prototype, test, and refine designs, preparing them for scalable manufacturing
Develop and build production tools, fixtures, and automation jigs to support manufacturing operations
Manage engineering drawings, revisions, and documentation throughout the product lifecycle
Maintain and organize product data within the PDMS, ensuring accuracy and traceability
Identify, evaluate, and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners
Create assembly procedures, inspection and test procedures, test reports, and product requirements documentation
Participate directly in the NPI process, including hands‑on hardware builds and system bring‑up
Contribute to the design, build, and flight testing of advanced drone platforms


 


Required Qualifications - The following qualifications are required for any position:

  Education: Minimum education (e.g., Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field).

  Experience:  Required years of relevant experience (e.g., 5+ yrs project management or sales).

  Skills: Key skills for success: Proficiency with tools. Strong communication and teamwork.

  Certifications: Any certifications needed or preferred (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma).





Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
3+ years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
Demonstrated excellence in problem-solving, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
3+ years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms (e.g., NX, Creo, AutoCAD).
Proven ability to drive system-level architecture decisions and support full lifecycle product development through strong systems engineering principles.
Proven ability to perform FEA analysis, including modal, thermal and aerodynamic analysis.
Proven experience designing for high-rate production, including rapid prototyping and new product development.


 


Additional Desired Qualifications - The requirements below are desired knowledge, skills and/or abilities we desire but not required.





Experience with BLDC motor system design, integration, and validation
Proficiency in PCB layout, design, and component placement for electromechanical systems
Background in flexible PCB design and reliable cable routing for dynamic or motion‑critical assemblies
Industry experience in robotics, UAVs/drones, autonomous systems, or similar hardware‑driven environments
Familiarity with camera modules, imaging systems, and optical component integration



Experience collaborating with electrical engineering teams to support PCBA layout, DFM/DFX, and production from a mechanical standpoint
Ability to develop microcontroller‑based tools or fixtures for testing, production support, or hardware bring‑up
Knowledge of structural composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass) and related mold or tooling design
Experience performing or interpreting analyses such as thermal, aerodynamic, or transient vibration simulation
Understanding of composite layup processes and design for manufacturability in composite structures





Physical Requirements and Working Conditions - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.





Be able to lift 15 lb
Work on your feet for 5+ hours each day


 




Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat