Mechanical Engineer III

AV; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 138,750; Full time

Job summary

AV in Huntsville is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to design, test and integrate UAV subsystems from concept to detailed design. You will develop structural and electro‑mechanical components, build prototypes and work on thermal, fixture and tooling solutions for next‑gen airborne systems.

The role requires 5–8 years of hands‑on mechanical design experience, a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree, and proficiency in SolidWorks.

Qualifications

• 58 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to hardware.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required.
• Experience designing machined parts, simple composite parts, plastic injection‑molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies and mechanical assemblies.
• Hands‑on building/prototyping experience related to lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar.
• Experience designing electro‑mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints.
• Demonstrated competence in mechanical engineering processes and design/analysis tools.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards; proficient at SolidWorks and MS Office.

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.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer‑generated reports; assist project managers with planning and scheduling of engineering work.
• Confers with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals and other data to evaluate feasibility, cost and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Support design reviews; assist project managers with planning, scheduling and support manufacturing & suppliers with production of components & assemblies.
• Resolve a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures; complete assigned tasks within project schedule and budget.
• Demonstrate full understanding of the specialization of role and research / re‑engineer to propose alternate solutions to fairly complex issues.
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors; make decisions that impact project costs and schedule; provide articulate, accurate instructions and guidance to lower level engineers and team members outside the department.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal analysis

Prototype development

ASME Y14 standards knowledge

Engineering drawings

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

Job Description The Mechanical Engineer III applies engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanically functioning equipment. This individual will be part of a design team focused on the development of the next generation UAV systems and their subsystems, from conceptual design through detailed design, including building and testing of these systems.

Worker Type: Regular

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.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer‑generated reports; assist project managers with planning and scheduling of engineering work.
• Confers with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals and other data to evaluate feasibility, cost and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Support design reviews; assist project managers with planning, scheduling and support manufacturing & suppliers with production of components & assemblies.
• Resolve a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures; complete assigned tasks within project schedule and budget.
• Demonstrate full understanding of the specialization of role and research / re‑engineer to propose alternate solutions to fairly complex issues.
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors; make decisions that impact project costs and schedule; provide articulate, accurate instructions and guidance to lower level engineers and team members outside the department.

Basic Qualifications

• 5‑8 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to hardware.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience designing machined parts, simple composite parts, plastic injection‑molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies and mechanical assemblies.
• Hands‑on building/prototyping experience related to lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar.
• Experience designing electro‑mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints.
• Demonstrated competence in mechanical engineering processes and design/analysis tools.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards; proficient at SolidWorks and MS Office.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Demonstrates ability to work independently with little supervision; shares ideas and experiences, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions.
• Able to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve performance of self and others.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills; consistently demonstrates teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

• Work in an office environment (constant).
• Occasional work in a manufacturing environment.
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (constant).

Clearance Level: No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is $91,000 - $138,750

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export license. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required. For more details see 22 CFR 120.15.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

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.