Mechanical Engineer

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, test, and integrate electromechanical drone systems for UAS platforms. The role emphasizes scalable manufacturing and hands-on hardware builds.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in a design-focused engineering role, strong SolidWorks skills, and experience with high-rate production, FEA, and systems engineering. Office relocation from Carson to Torrance is planned for Q1 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 3+ years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
• Demonstrated excellence in problem-solving with strong written and verbal communication.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design electromechanical systems for UAS platforms using SolidWorks.
• Prototype, test, and refine designs for scalable manufacturing.
• Develop and build production tools, fixtures, and automation jigs.
• Manage engineering drawings, revisions, and product lifecycle documentation.
• Identify and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Contribute to the design, build, and flight testing of drone platforms.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

AutoCAD

FEA tools

Job description

FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Mechanical Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating a range of mechanical systems into flight hardware and ground control systems. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical design of drones and/or multi-axis camera gimbals in high volume production applications.

Location Note: The role will start in Carson, but the office is expected to move to the Torrance area in Q1 2026.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Design electromechanical systems for UAS platforms using SolidWorks
• Prototype, test, and refine designs, preparing them for scalable manufacturing
• Develop and build production tools, fixtures, and automation jigs to support manufacturing operations
• Manage engineering drawings, revisions, and documentation throughout the product lifecycle
• Maintain and organize product data within the PDMS, ensuring accuracy and traceability
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners
• Create assembly procedures, inspection and test procedures, test reports, and product requirements documentation
• Participate directly in the NPI process, including hands‑on hardware builds and system bring‑up
• Contribute to the design, build, and flight testing of advanced drone platforms

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum education (e.g., Bachelor's degree in Business or related field).
• Experience: Required years of relevant experience (e.g., 5+ yrs project management or sales).
• Skills: Key skills for success: Proficiency with tools. Strong communication and teamwork.
• Certifications: Any certifications needed or preferred (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma).

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
• Demonstrated excellence in problem‑solving, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms (e.g., NX, Creo, AutoCAD).
• Proven ability to drive system‑level architecture decisions and support full lifecycle product development through strong systems engineering principles.
• Proven ability to perform FEA analysis, including modal, thermal and aerodynamic analysis.
• Proven experience designing for high‑rate production, including rapid prototyping and new product development.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with BLDC motor system design, integration, and validation
• Proficiency in PCB layout, design, and component placement for electromechanical systems
• Background in flexible PCB design and reliable cable routing for dynamic or motion‑critical assemblies
• Industry experience in robotics, UAVs/drones, autonomous systems, or similar hardware‑driven environments
• Familiarity with camera modules, imaging systems, and optical component integration
• Experience collaborating with electrical engineering teams to support PCBA layout, DFM/DFX, and production from a mechanical standpoint
• Ability to develop microcontroller‑based tools or fixtures for testing, production support, or hardware bring‑up
• Knowledge of structural composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass) and related mold or tooling design
• Experience performing or interpreting analyses such as thermal, aerodynamic, or transient vibration simulation
• Understanding of composite layup processes and design for manufacturability in composite structures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Be able to lift 15 lb
• Work on your feet for 5+ hours each day

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post‑offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export‑restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates in E-Verify to ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.