Drone Hardware Engineer - Hands-On & Field-Ready

Seeing Systems (YC W26); Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Seeing Systems is seeking a hands‑on mechanical engineer to design, build, and test the physical systems around our electronics as a core member of the hardware team.

You’ll own defined subsystems from CAD model to a validated part flying on one of our drones, including airframes, enclosures, mounts, and thermal solutions. This early‑career role offers real responsibility, fast feedback from field tests, and a clear path to broader hardware ownership as the team grows.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical engineering experience (2+ years).
• Strong CAD skills with part from model to manufactured hardware.
• Solid grounding in materials, fasteners, tolerancing, and DFM.
• Proficient in workshop tools: 3D printers and hand tools.
• Willingness to test in real-world field environments.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical parts and assemblies for defined subsystems under the Founding Hardware Engineer: airframe components, enclosures, mounts, payload interfaces, and ground station hardware.
• Own prototyping and iteration for subsystems: 3D printing, CNC and sheet‑metal parts, fit checks, and rework through fast design cycles.
• Design for the environment: vibration, shock, thermal management, ingress protection, and weight targets on flying platforms.
• Integrate electronics into airframes: packaging, cable routing, connector placement, and serviceability with the electrical team.
• Build and maintain aircraft: assembly, repairs, and configuration control across the test fleet.
• Run test campaigns with the testing lead: prepare aircraft, capture data, log failures, and feed findings back into the next revision.
• Work with manufacturers on quotes, DFM feedback, tolerances, and incoming inspection as we scale production.
• Use AI tools to accelerate design, analysis, and documentation.

Skills

CAD skills

3D printing

CNC machining

Sheet metal

Vibration control

Thermal management

Electrical integration

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Seeing Systems is seeking a hands‑on mechanical engineer to design, build, and test the physical systems around our electronics as a core member of the hardware team.

You’ll own defined subsystems from CAD model to a validated part flying on one of our drones, including airframes, enclosures, mounts, and thermal solutions. This early‑career role offers real responsibility, fast feedback from field tests, and a clear path to broader hardware ownership as the team grows.