Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering

AV; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 100,500 - 153,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV seeks a Senior Engineer – Mechanical Engineering to design, analyze, and test next‑generation UAV systems and subsystems from concept to detailed design. You will build prototypes, support manufacturing, and contribute to root‑cause analysis of issues.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of experience with mechanical systems, a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree, hands‑on prototyping, and proficiency with SolidWorks and ASME standards.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to hardware.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience designing machined parts, simple composite parts, sheet metal and assemblies.
• Hands‑on building/prototyping experience for lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar.
• Experience with electro‑mechanical systems and thermodynamic constraints.
• Competence in mechanical engineering processes and design/analysis tools.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14 and related standards. Proficient at SolidWorks and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Designs structural components, electro‑mechanical systems, payload mechanical design, ground equipment, launching systems, and fixtures.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, and reports; assists planners with scheduling.
• Collabrates with engineers to implement procedures, resolve malfunctions, provide technical info.
• Develops manufacturing drawings and BOMs for components and assemblies.
• Evaluates feasibility, cost, and maintenance from customer specifications.
• Supports design reviews and works with suppliers on production of components.
• Resolves issues within project schedule and budget; guides junior engineers.
• Researches and proposes alternate solutions to complex issues.
• Makes decisions impacting costs and schedule, providing instructions to team.

Skills

Mechanical design

ASME Y14.5

SolidWorks

Prototyping

Thermodynamics

Engineering drawings

Communication

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Engineer – Mechanical Engineering applies engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair, and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanically functioning equipment. This individual will be a part of a design team focused on the development of next‑generation UAV systems and their subsystems. The role includes all levels and facets of design from conceptual through detailed design, as well as building and testing of these systems.

Responsibilities

• Designs structural components, electro­mechanical systems, payload mechanical design, ground equipment mechanical design, launching systems, flight control actuator integration, thermal analysis, prototype hardware development, tooling, and fixture design.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports. Assists 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.
• Develops manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards.
• Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
• Supports design reviews, assists project managers with planning and scheduling, and supports manufacturing and suppliers with production of components and assemblies.
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures. Completes assigned tasks within project schedule and budget.
• Demonstrates full understanding of the specialization of the role and can research/re‑engineer to propose alternate solutions to complex issues.
• Works on problems of diverse scope where data analysis requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Makes decisions that impact project costs and schedule. Provides articulate, accurate instructions and guidance to lower‑level engineers and team members outside the department.

Required Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to hardware.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (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, Y14.5, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards. Proficient at SolidWorks and generic office software such as MS Office.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with little supervision, sharing ideas and seeking feedback.
• Able to excel in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments where small teams share varied duties.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and continuous improvement.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Consistent teamwork, collaboration, and a focus on team success.

Physical Demands

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

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

$100,500 – $153,250

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with 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 the EAR, or be approved for an export license. For more details, see 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

• 120.15 – Some positions will require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

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. For more information about our benefits, visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

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.