Senior Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary

FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Sr. Mechanical Engineer position. FlightWave develops and manufactures compact fixed wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that are capable of vertical takeoff and landing. FlightWave’s drones are used 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design electro-mechanical systems in SolidWorks.
• Manage weight budgets, CG calculations, aerodynamic optimization, etc.
• Prototype, validate, and prepare designs for scalable manufacturing.
• Develop and build tools, fixtures, and automation jigs for manufacturing.
• Identify and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Draft mechanical drawings, assembly procedures, inspection and test procedures, test plans/reports, and product requirements documents. 
• Develop and execute plans for ground and flight testing of unmanned systems.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 5-9 years of direct industry experience in a design-focused role.
• Outstanding problem solving, oral & written communication skills.
• Minimum 4 years prior experience with SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated experience with design and manufacturing for high rate production.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with fixed wing aircraft architecture, stability, flight control, and aerodynamic factors. 
• Experience with BLDC motor and mechanism design, integration, and controls.
• Experience with flexible PCB & cable routing design for high reliability motion systems.
• Experience with cameras, and other optical systems.
• Experience with the mechanical side of PCBA layout and integration.
• Experience with programming for fixtures, test systems, and other associated production hardware (e.g. python, arduino, LabVIEW, etc).
• Familiarity with structural composites design (fiberglass, carbon fiber) and composites mold design

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, as required by the duties and responsibilities.
• Adeptness in moving around the office, manufacturing facilities, flight test fields, and other workspaces.

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 Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to rac