Junior Mechanical Engineer: Drones & Payloads

Performance Drone Works, LLC; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Life insurance

EAP

Team environment

PTO

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to design drones, payloads, and hardware from concept through production. Recent graduates or early-career engineers will work with guidance from senior staff to develop reliable, producible components.

You will build 3D CAD models in SolidWorks, create drawings and BOMs, run simple calculations, and help transition parts to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical field.
• Zero to two years of professional experience in mechanical or electromechanical product development; relevant co-op or internship experience is valued.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawings, mechanical design fundamentals, and common manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on ability to build, inspect, test, and troubleshoot mechanical hardware.
• Ability to complete defined tasks with regular guidance, incorporate design feedback, and communicate technical work clearly.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and simple assemblies for drones, payloads, and supporting systems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Create and revise 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, BOMs, and other design documentation.
• Create and compare design concepts, perform supporting calculations, and communicate key tradeoffs.
• Build, assemble, and troubleshoot prototypes using 3D printing, machining, and other fabrication methods.
• Execute defined test plans, analyze results and failures, and document recommended design improvements.
• Design test fixtures, assembly jigs, and other tooling for engineering and manufacturing use.
• Apply DFM, DFA, and tolerance-analysis fundamentals with review from senior team members.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality teams and support the transition of products into production.

Skills

CAD modeling

SolidWorks

Engineering drawings

Machining & testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks PDM

GD&T

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to design drones, payloads, and hardware from concept through production. Recent graduates or early-career engineers will work with guidance from senior staff to develop reliable, producible components.

You will build 3D CAD models in SolidWorks, create drawings and BOMs, run simple calculations, and help transition parts to manufacturing.