Mechanical Design Engineer II (Onsite)

axon; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with employer match

Paid parental leave

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Fitness Programs

Emotional & Mental Wellness support

Learning & Development programs

Snacks in our offices

Job summary

Axon in Sterling, VA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to drive product development from concept through manufacturing, delivering durable, high-performance hardware designs. You will model in CAD, prototype, and validate with thermal and structural analyses, collaborating across teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, system integration, and compliance documentation in a hybrid on-site/off-site setting, with in-person collaboration Tue–Fri and some remote work Mondays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven mechanical design and system integration experience with hardware.
• CAD software proficiency for 3D modeling and detailed drawings.
• Hands-on prototyping and fabrication equipment experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive product development from concept through manufacturing, ensuring durability and reliability.
• Lead ideation of subsystem and system level designs.
• Create and analyze high-fidelity prototypes.
• Perform mechanical analysis including FEA, tolerance analysis, and testing.
• Collaborate with domestic and international stakeholders.
• Work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
• Document design specs, production processes, and compliance.

Skills

CAD modeling

Prototyping tools

Embedded systems basics

Heat transfer knowledge

EMI/Shock & vibration

Thermal analysis

Simulation tools

MIL STDs familiarity

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

Job description

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we're on a mission to Protect Life. We're explorers, pursuing society's most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you'll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact:

Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation.

Mechanical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ownership over next generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, who's work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. our passionate leadership and cross-functional collaboration with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come.

This role emphasizes mechanical design, thermal analysis, prototyping, and system integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CAD modeling, structural optimization, and hands-on prototyping, with a focus on creating durable and high-performance designs for diverse operational environments.

Location: Onsite at our offices in Sterling, VA

What You'll Do:

• Drive innovative product development from conceptualization through manufacturing, ensuring designs meet durability and reliability standards.
• Utilize creative problem solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs
• Construct and analyze high fidelity proof-of-concept prototypes
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis to ensure proper function through FEA, tolerance analysis, testing, and other exploratory means
• Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders
• Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast-paced environment
• Hone your engineering expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development
• Rigorously document and manage design specifications, production processes, and compliance requirements.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Proven experience in mechanical design and system integration, preferably in industries involving advanced hardware systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling and detailed engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping tools and fabrication equipment (e.g., drills, bandsaws, 3D printers).
• Knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32, Arduino), and single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including heat transfer, EMI, and shock/vibration.
• Experience with simulation tools for thermal and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with MIL STDs and designing for harsh environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex ideas.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity.

Work Location

This role is based out of either our Sterling, VA office, and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work

Axon is a total compensation company, meaning compensation is made up of base pay, bonus, and stock awards. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: level, function, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, geographic market, and often a combination of all these factors. Our benefits offer an array of options to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. To see more details on our benefits offerings ple