Mechanical Design Engineer I - UAV Systems

AeroVironment; Alabama; On-site; USD 61,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment in Alabama is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join a design team developing next-generation UAV systems and subsystems. You will work from concept through detailed design, build prototypes and test them, and contribute to manufacturing drawings and BOMs.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, experience with SolidWorks, and applying thermodynamic constraints to electro-mechanical systems. Collaboration with manufacturing and suppliers is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent.
• 0-2 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with hardware transition.
• Experience designing machined parts, simple composites, plastic injection molded parts, sheet metal, wire assemblies and mechanical assemblies.
• Hands-on prototyping experience with lightweight robotic systems or similar.
• Experience designing electro‑mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints.
• Proficient at SolidWorks and MS Office; able to create engineering drawings per ASME standards.

Responsibilities

• Designs structural components, electro-mechanical design, payload mechanical design, ground equipment mechanical design, launching systems, flight control actuators integration, thermal analysis, prototype hardware development, tooling & fixtures design
• CAD tools (SolidWorks), simulation tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS), and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, etc.)
• Develop manufacturing drawings and BOMs for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards; support design reviews; assist project managers with planning/scheduling; support manufacturing & suppliers
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

SolidWorks

Engineering drawings (ASME Y14.100)

ASME Y14.5

Prototyping

Thermodynamic constraints

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

ANSYS

CAD (SolidWorks)

EPDM (SolidWorks EPDM)

Job description

AeroVironment in Alabama is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join a design team developing next-generation UAV systems and subsystems. You will work from concept through detailed design, build prototypes and test them, and contribute to manufacturing drawings and BOMs.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, experience with SolidWorks, and applying thermodynamic constraints to electro-mechanical systems. Collaboration with manufacturing and suppliers is essential.