Senior Mechanical Engineer

Menlo Ventures; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and 401(k) with employer match

Discretionary paid time off

Paid parental leave

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Fitness Programs

Emotional & Mental Wellness support

Learning & Development programs

Job summary

Menlo Ventures is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead product development in Sterling, VA. The ideal candidate will drive innovative solutions, working collaboratively on next-generation cUAS technology in a hybrid schedule environment.

Your role involves product conceptualization, mechanical analysis, and design ownership. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and hands-on experience with engineering tools and principles. Join us to contribute to crucial safety technologies!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design and system integration.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping tools and fabrication equipment.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovative product development from conceptualization through manufacturing.
• Utilize creative problem-solving skills for subsystem and system level designs.
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis to ensure proper function.

Skills

Mechanical design

System integration

CAD software proficiency

Prototyping

Simulation tools

Technical problem-solving

Communication skills

Understanding of engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

3D printers

Job description

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast‑paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting‑edge of innovation. Sr. Mechanical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ownership over next generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, whose work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. Our passionate leadership and cross‑functional collaboration with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come.

Location: Onsite at our offices in Sterling, VA

What You'll Do

• Drive innovative product development from conceptualization through manufacturing, ensuring designs meet durability and reliability standards.
• Utilize creative problem‑solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs.
• Construct and analyze high fidelity proof‑of‑concept prototypes.
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis to ensure proper function through FEA, tolerance analysis, testing, and other exploratory means.
• Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders.
• Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast‑paced environment.
• Hone your engineering expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.
• Rigorously document and manage design specifications, production processes, and compliance requirements.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design and system integration, preferably in industries involving advanced hardware systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling and detailed engineering drawings.
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping tools and fabrication equipment (e.g., drills, bandsaws, 3D printers).
• Knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32, Arduino), and single‑board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including heat transfer, EMI, and shock/vibration.
• Experience with simulation tools for thermal and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with MIL STDs and designing for harsh environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to identify and resolve technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present complex ideas.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity.

Work Location

This role is based out of either our Sterling, VA office, and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in‑person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in‑office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401(k) with employer match.
• Discretionary paid time off.
• Paid parental leave for all.
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans.
• Fitness Programs.
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support.
• Learning & Development programs.
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices.

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.

Important Notes

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

We collect personal information from applicants to evaluate candidates for employment. You may request access, deletion, or exercise other CCPA rights at [e-mail] or via our Axon Privacy Web Form. For more information, please see the Your California Privacy Rights section of our Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice.

Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well‑being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent—regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances—and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email [e-mail]. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.