Mechanical Engineer - Aerial Targets

griffonaerospace; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Griffon Aerospace in Madison, AL, is seeking a motivated Aerial Target Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, test, and sustain fielded UAS and ground launch systems. You will work with senior engineers to ensure performance, safety, and regulatory compliance for air vehicles and launcher hardware.

The role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, testing, and cross-functional collaboration across systems engineering, manufacturing, and production teams, with opportunities for career growth and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Basic understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for flight tests.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, analysis, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and associated ground launch systems.
• Conduct analyses using CAD, FEA, or CFD tools (SolidWorks, ANSYS) to support hardware.
• Support integration of new or replacement components into fielded aircraft and launcher hardware, including obsolescence resolution.
• Support structural, thermal, and mechanical testing activities for air vehicles and launch systems.
• Assist with limited design tasks on airframe structures and launcher components as needed to support sustainment and integration efforts.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and design presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing.
• Help ensure compliance with aerospace standards and safety regulations (FAA, NASA, DoD).
• Participate in prototype fabrication, integration, and validation testing.

Skills

CAD tools

FEA/CFD

Aerospace eng

Hands-on fabrication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's in ME/AE

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Job description

Griffon Aerospace, a leader in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry, is seeking a talented Aerial Target Mechanical Engineer to support our aerial target and unmanned aircraft product lines. Our Madison, AL based small business is seeking innovative individuals who want to join an up tempo, maker culture that proudly provides products and services to support the American Warfighter!

Griffon Aerospace is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Aerial Target Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Madison, Alabama. In this role, you'll support the design, analysis, testing, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their associated ground launch systems. You will collaborate with senior engineers to ensure aircraft and launcher hardware meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the design, analysis, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and associated ground launch systems
• Conduct engineering analyses using CAD, FEA, or CFD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS) to support fielded air vehicle and launcher hardware
• Support integration of new or replacement components into fielded aircraft and launcher hardware, including obsolescence resolution and form/fit/function substitutions
• Support structural, thermal, and mechanical testing activities for air vehicles and launch systems
• Assist with limited design tasks on airframe structures and launcher components as needed to support sustainment and integration efforts
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and design presentations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing
• Help ensure compliance with aerospace standards and safety regulations (e.g., FAA, NASA, DoD)
• Participate in prototype fabrication, integration, and validation testing

DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• 0-5 years of mechanical or aerospace engineering experience; relevant internship, co-op, or academic project experience considered
• Exposure to CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
• Familiarity with composite materials and fabrication methods (wet layup, prepreg)
• Exposure to structural/FEA analysis tools
• Understanding of small, unmanned aircraft or target drone systems
• Hands-on fabrication, machining, or prototyping experience

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Basic understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work hands-on in a lab/production environment as well as at a desk
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with electrical, software, and production teams
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support flight test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Internship or project experience in aircraft or unmanned system design
• Exposure to systems engineering principles and model-based design tools
• Knowledge of industry standards (AS9100, FAA Part 23/25, MIL-STD)
• Experience with programming or data analysis (Python, MATLAB, C++)
• Hands-on experience with composites, propulsion systems, or avionics integration

JOB LOCATION

• Madison, Alabama, United States

POSITION TYPE

• Full-Time/Regular

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary/Comprehensive Benefits Package

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

• Yes

ABILITY TO OBTAIN SECURITY CLEARANCE

• Yes, ability to gain and maintain a Secret clearance

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Mentorship and training from experienced aerospace professionals
• Opportunities for career growth and project ownership
• Collaborative and innovative work environment