Robotics Hardware Engineering Lead for Autonomous Drones

Apellix; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) and company contributions

Paid healthcare

Job summary

Apellix is seeking a Development Engineering Lead to drive the design and productionization of autonomous drone systems for industrial applications. You will own end‑to‑end development from concept through prototyping, testing, qualification, and manufacturing transition, mentoring a multidisciplinary engineering team along the way.

The role requires leading cross‑functional programs, establishing technical roadmaps, and ensuring compliance with aviation and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 7+ years engineering experience with 2+ years in leadership.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams on complex hardware programs.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience taking hardware from prototype to production.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFT and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Mentor a team of engineers across mechanical, electrical, software and systems disciplines.
• Define roadmaps, standards and development processes.
• Ensure compliance with aviation, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Lead drone platform development through all product lifecycle stages.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality and operations for DFM/DFT.

Skills

Mentoring

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Team communication

Hardware product development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, Fusion 360)

Job description

Apellix is seeking a Development Engineering Lead to drive the design and productionization of autonomous drone systems for industrial applications. You will own end‑to‑end development from concept through prototyping, testing, qualification, and manufacturing transition, mentoring a multidisciplinary engineering team along the way.

The role requires leading cross‑functional programs, establishing technical roadmaps, and ensuring compliance with aviation and safety standards.