Mechanical Engineer Air Vehicles for Fastwater Staffing

HIKINEX; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HIKINEX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Costa Mesa, California. This role involves developing and integrating hardware for unmanned air vehicles, owning designs through the lifecycle, and ensuring high-performance mechanical systems. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, specifically in advanced air vehicle programs. A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering is required, along with the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret clearance. Preferred skills include experience with NX/Teamcenter.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in Advanced Air Vehicles Programs.
• Experience integrating electrical and mechanical subsystems into advanced air vehicles.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate hardware on unmanned air vehicles.
• Lead design reviews and run analysis.
• Build prototypes and transition successful projects into production.

Skills

Mechanical engineering experience

Experience integrating subsystems

Designing mechanical parts (CAD)

Understanding of manufacturing methods

Competence with engineering principles

Education

BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

NX/Teamcenter

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Air Dominance and Strike Mechanical Engineering Team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms. Air Dominance and Strike Mechanical Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Develop and integrate hardware on unmanned air vehicles
• Own designs from concept generation to real world use
• Use first principles physics as a basis for every decision
• Lead design reviews, run analysis, visit vendors, define and execute hardware test plans
• Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed
• Travel to test sites as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience Advanced Air Vehicles Programs
• Experience integrating electrical and mechanical subsystems into advanced air vehicles
• Experience designing mechanical parts (CAD). Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, composite lamination, etc)
• High competence with, and fluid use of, engineering first principles
• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in NX/Teamcenter
• Experience developing aircraft subsystem layouts, performing architectural trade studies, and evaluating vendor performance data
• Competency in engineering analysis, including structural, thermal, and electrical