Senior Mechanical Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles

AeroVect; Farmville (VA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVect is building autonomous ground handling systems and seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own and deliver production-ready mechanical designs for autonomous vehicles. You’ll design, integrate, and iterate sensor packages, computing hardware, and vehicle subsystems with hands-on execution in a fast-paced startup setting.

You’ll mentor junior engineers, collaborate across hardware, software, and systems teams, and drive engineering best practices from concept through integration to

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and strong DFM/DFA knowledge.
• Experience with prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical testing.
• Understanding of structural, thermal, and packaging considerations for vehicle systems.
• Strong ownership mindset, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent collaboration and communication in a fast-moving, startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate custom mechanical systems for sensors, computing, and autonomous hardware
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate designs to validate performance and manufacturability
• Lead assembly, validation, and troubleshooting of retrofitted vehicles
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration
• Mentor junior engineers and guide design best practices across the team

Skills

SolidWorks

DFM/DFA

Prototyping

Mechanical testing

Thermal design

Packaging design

Ownership mindset

Collaboration

Job description

Who We Are

AeroVect is transforming ground handling with autonomy, redefining how airlines and ground service providers around the globe run day-to-day operations. We are a Series A company backed by top-tier venture capital investors in aviation and autonomous driving. Our customers include some of the world’s largest airlines and ground handling providers. For more information, visit www.aerovect.com.

The Role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll design and integrate mechanical systems that enable autonomous driving on production vehicles. You’ll take full ownership of projects, from concept to integration, working hands‑on to bring robust, production‑ready solutions to life. This is a highly collaborative, fast‑paced role where you’ll shape the foundation of our upcoming hardware design and integration efforts.

You Will

• Design and integrate custom mechanical systems for sensors, computing, and autonomous hardware
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate designs to validate performance and manufacturability
• Lead assembly, validation, and troubleshooting of retrofitted vehicles
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration
• Mentor junior engineers and guide design best practices across the team

You Have

• 4+ years of hands‑on mechanical design experience
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and strong DFM/DFA knowledge
• Experience with prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical testing
• Understanding of structural, thermal, and packaging considerations for vehicle systems
• Strong ownership mindset, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent collaboration and communication in a fast‑moving, startup environment

Compensation Range: $155K - $190K