Mechanical Engineer III / IV

Inspired Flight; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

401k w/ company match

Quarterly Team Bonus Plan

Job summary

Inspired Flight seeks a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and validate advanced hardware for UAV platforms. You will work within the engineering team to deliver robust mechanical solutions across design, analysis, and testing disciplines.

Ideal candidates have extensive CAD experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and familiarity with UAV systems and related certifications. In-office role at our San Luis Obispo HQ with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5–10 years experience for Level 3.
• 10–15 years experience for Level 4.
• Experience in UAS, aviation, aerospace, robotics, autonomy or defense industry.
• Experience with UAV systems and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze and test mechanical systems and components to meet project requirements.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions to improve product performance and efficiency.
• Work with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost analyses to assess the viability of proposed designs.
• Prepare technical documentation including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Provide technical support during the manufacturing and assembly process.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and advances in engineering technologies.

Skills

UAS/drone systems

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

FAA Part 107 License

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

AutoCAD

FEA tools

Job description

Company Description

Inspired Flight’s Purpose Statement says it all - Conserving resources, creating jobs, and saving lives by innovating the American drone manufacturing. Founded in San Luis Obispo, California our entirely U.S. based team designs, builds and supports highly capable and flexible drone platforms for both commercial and government customers.

Location

This is an in-office position for hire at Inspired Flight’s HQ in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Job Description

Inspired Flight is seeking a talented and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team. A Mechanical Engineer is a specialized role responsible for the design, prototyping, and validation of complex hardware systems.

This position is at the core of the engineering department at Inspired Flight and will be part of a rapidly growing company in the growing UAV industry.

Typical responsibilities:

• Design, analyze and test mechanical systems and components to meet project requirements.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions to improve product performance and efficiency.
• Work with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost analyses to assess the viability of proposed designs.
• Prepare technical documentation including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Provide technical support during the manufacturing and assembly process.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and advances in engineering technologies.

You’ll excel in this role if you have:

• Experience with UAS/drone systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Catia, AutoCAD) and finite element analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• UAV Pilot experience and/or a FAA Part 107 License.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 5-10 years experience for level 3.
• 10-15 years experience for level 4.
• Experience in a related field, preferably: UAS, aviation, aerospace, robotics, autonomy or defense industry.

Salary & Benefits Offered

• $115,000-$142,000 DOE for level 3
• $140,000-$170,000 DOE for level 4
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• World Class Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Plan
• 401k w/ 6% company match
• Quarterly Team Bonus Plan

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Inspired Flight is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued, but prioritized. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer that seeks to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, age, or veteran status, or any other non-merit based or legally protected grounds.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.