Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a dynamic team focused on pioneering electric aviation solutions. In this role, you'll lead the design of cutting-edge mechanical components for autonomous aircraft, working on exciting projects that enhance cargo transport and crop protection. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers while utilizing your expertise in 3D CAD software and mechanical design. This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and contribution to a sustainable future in aviation.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Free catered lunch and snacks

Equity options

Qualifications

• 4+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably in aerospace.
• Expertise in leading projects from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design projects from concept through production.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Aerospace Engineering

3D CAD Software

Structural Analysis

Prototyping

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Inventor

Job description

Job Description

Pyka is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will take ownership of a variety of mechanical components and subsystems on Pyka's aircraft and support them from conceptualization through serial production.

Our Mechanical Engineering team members work closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Flight Test Engineers, and other Mechanical Engineers to design, test, and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies. This role is challenging — the Pyka ME team handles the same amount of hardware as teams ten times its size. You'll have the opportunity to work with a team that moves quickly, with significant opportunities for ownership, contribution, professional development, and growth.

Some of the first projects you will work on include:

• Design of novel payload handling and air drop capabilities for our cargo aircraft.
• Design changes to Pyka's custom aircraft transportation trailer to improve the user experience and protection of the aircraft.
• Improved packaging of Spray aircraft electronics to enhance reliability and ease of maintenance.
• Leading investigations, root cause analysis, solution creation, and validation of complex hardware bugs during field testing.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Pyka, you will support our existing fleet of aircraft and contribute to the development of new ones through continuous learning and iteration.

About Pyka

Pyka aims to provide society with safe, clean, and cost-effective autonomous electric transportation. We are applying our technologies across industries, starting with high-value and dangerous jobs, building scalable, game-changing products, and refining the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.

We design, develop, and manufacture technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.

Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection across four continents, with industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA.

Our aircraft enable remote connectivity, enhance express delivery, and ensure fast, reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft provide safer, more precise, and environmentally friendly aerial application tools. Both are economical, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

What you work on at Pyka improves lives now and advances the future of electric aviation.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple mechanical design projects from initial concept through prototyping, production, and field support.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Pyka teams and with customers to deploy leading products.
• Mentor junior engineers to help them succeed.
• Design, prototype, test, iterate, and document flight-critical mechanical parts and assemblies.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and manufacturing documents.
• Work with manufacturing to develop tools and processes for high-quality production.
• Coordinate closely with external suppliers and fabricators to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace.
• Experience with structural analysis and supporting manufacturing processes like composites, CNC, 3D printing, sheet metal, and injection molding.
• Knowledge of tooling and processes for composite assemblies.
• Curiosity and ability to quickly research and learn new topics.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven track record leading mechanical projects from concept to production.
• Expertise in any major 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Inventor).
• Experience with FEA and calculations for stress, thermal, and fatigue analysis.
• Strong hands-on skills in prototyping and manufacturing.

Company Perks

• Salary: $133,000–$167,000/year + equity, depending on location, experience, and skills.
• Health, dental, vision insurance, FSA with employer match, 401(k).
• Paid holidays and generous PTO.
• Free catered lunch and snacks.
• Opportunity to work on large autonomous aircraft.

Export Control Requirements

This role involves access to technology subject to export controls. Employment is contingent upon government authorization to access such information, including possible licensing or documentation.

Pyka may delay or rescind employment offers or modify job responsibilities to ensure compliance with export regulations.

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We do not work with external recruiters; please do not reach out if you are an external recruiter.