Mechanical Engineer – Drone Development, Design & Test

Senior Mechanical EngineerHavocAI is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a Department of Defense (DoD) fieldable, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) is a hands-on engineering leadership role where you'll drive airframe design for manufacture, structural analysis, and system-level integration while providing the program leadership necessary to keep the production effort on schedule and within budget.You will serve as the primary technical authority for Locust's production readiness, working closely with manufacturing partners, government customers, and cross-functional engineering teams. Success in this role means delivering a robust, mission-ready aircraft that can withstand the demands of operational use while being reliably manufactured at production scale.We are looking for an engineer who is equally comfortable designing parts in CAD, working with vendors and machinists, assembling prototypes, and getting into the field or test environment to understand why something failed.This is not a purely analytical or desk-based engineering position. The ideal candidate has experience developing drones, UAVs, robotics, autonomous systems, or other lightweight electromechanical platforms and enjoys moving quickly between design and hardware.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign mechanical components, assemblies, structures, enclosures, mounts, and mechanisms for unmanned aerial systemsDevelop concepts and detailed designs using 3D CADOwn mechanical designs from initial requirements through prototype, test, iteration, and production releaseBuild and assemble prototype vehicles and subsystemsWork directly with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and suppliers to rapidly produce prototype hardwareDevelop engineering drawings, tolerances, interfaces, and manufacturing documentationPerform engineering calculations including structural, load, thermal, vibration, tolerance, and basic mechanical analysisDesign lightweight structures while balancing strength, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, and weightDevelop and execute mechanical test plans Conduct structural, vibration, environmental, durability, and system-level testingDiagnose mechanical failures and rapidly implement design improvementsSupport flight testing and vehicle-level integrationWork closely with electrical, embedded, autonomy, controls, manufacturing, and test engineersDesign for manufacturability, assembly, serviceability, and field repairParticipate directly in vehicle builds, troubleshooting, test campaigns, and engineering validationRequired QualificationsBS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline3+ years of mechanical product development experienceStrong 3D CAD and mechanical design experienceDemonstrated experience taking hardware from concept through prototype and testingHands-on experience assembling, modifying, troubleshooting, and testing electromechanical systemsStrong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals including materials, fasteners, tolerancing, structures, and manufacturing processesExperience designing parts for CNC machining, sheet metal, composites, additive manufacturing, or similar fabrication processesExperience developing test fixtures and executing mechanical validation testingAbility to independently troubleshoot hardware failures and drive design changesPreferred QualificationsDirect experience designing or developing UAVs, drones, UAS, aircraft, robotics, or autonomous vehiclesExperience with small or Group 1–3 unmanned aircraftExperience with airframes, propulsion integration, payload integration, landing systems, or flight-control hardwareExperience with composite structuresExperience transitioning prototype designs into low-rate or production manufacturingWhy HavocAIAt HavocAI, you'll help build autonomous systems that solve real-world challenges in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. You'll work alongside exceptional engineers, move quickly, and see your work transition from prototype to production and ultimately into the hands of you're excited about solving difficult engineering problems, owning critical technical decisions, and helping shape the future of autonomous systems, we'd love to hear from you.Benefits100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your familiesLife Insurance (Employer Paid)Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimumEquity PackageWork / Home Office StipendGlobal Entry16 Week Paid Parental LeaveMonthly Health and Wellness StipendOur ValuesInnovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through : We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it's supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.