Mechanical Engineer III

AV; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 116,025; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV in Petaluma, California is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop complex mechanical systems. The role includes prototyping, CAD work with SolidWorks, and collaborative projects with suppliers.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years experience in a relevant field, with skills in SolidWorks, mechanical drawing standards, and engineering processes. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems.
• Experience designing machined parts, composite parts, and mechanical assemblies.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings compliant with ASME standards.

Responsibilities

• Design structural components and mechanical systems.
• Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials.
• Collaborate with suppliers and support design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Designing complex mechanical systems

SolidWorks proficiency

Building and prototyping experience

Understanding of thermodynamic constraints

Competence with mechanical engineering processes

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

ANSYS

Job description

Position Responsibilities

• Design structural components, electro‑mechanical design, payload mechanical design, ground equipment mechanical design, launching systems, flight control actuators integration, thermal analysis, prototype hardware development, tooling and fixtures design.
• Use CAD tools (SolidWorks), simulation tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS), and rapid prototyping (3D printing, etc.) to perform design work.
• Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies following industry drafting standards.
• Support design reviews, assist project managers with planning and scheduling, and collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers for production.
• Analyze problems of moderate scope that require review of various factors.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with a transition to hardware.
• Experience designing machined parts, simple composite parts, plastic injection‑molded parts, sheet‑metal parts, wire assemblies, mechanical assemblies.
• Hands‑on building and prototyping experience with lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar.
• Experience designing electro‑mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints.
• Demonstrated competence with mechanical engineering processes and design/analysis tools.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100, Y14.5 and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and MS Office.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience with SolidWorks EPDM.
• Experience designing tooling or test equipment.
• Competence in solving basic structural dynamics problems.
• Understanding of engineering configuration‑management processes and material properties.
• Understanding of environmental testing, including shock and vibration.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment where small teams share diverse duties.
• Strong initiative, ownership, and commitment to learning and improving performance.
• Team‑oriented mindset focused on collective success.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in office and production environments (constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

$82,000 – $116,025

ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be approved for an export license.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.