Mechanical Engineer III — UAV Systems & Prototyping

avav; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 100,500 - 153,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

9/80 schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Engineer III to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines and mechanical systems for next‑gen UAVs. You'll join a design team covering all design stages from concept to detailed design and build/test of systems.

The role requires 5–8 years of experience in mechanical design, proficiency with SolidWorks, ASME standards, and hands‑on prototyping. On-site position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 5–8 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with transition to hardware.
• Experience designing machined parts, plastic, sheet metal and assemblies.
• Hands-on building/prototyping experience for lightweight robotic systems or similar.
• Proficiency in engineering drawings compliant with ASME Y14.100 and Y14.5; SolidWorks experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs structural components, electro‑mechanical design, payload mechanical design, ground equipment, launch systems and actuators integration.
• Reads blueprints and schematics; assists with planning and scheduling engineering work.
• Collaborates with engineers to resolve malfunctions and provide technical information.
• Develops manufacturing drawings and bills of materials using industry standards.
• Evaluates feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements from proposals and data.
• Supports design reviews and manufacturing with component production and supplier coordination.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hardware integration

ASME standards

SolidWorks

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Engineer III to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines and mechanical systems for next‑gen UAVs. You'll join a design team covering all design stages from concept to detailed design and build/test of systems.

The role requires 5–8 years of experience in mechanical design, proficiency with SolidWorks, ASME standards, and hands‑on prototyping. On-site position with a comprehensive benefits package.