Mechanical Engineer

Title: Mechanical Engineer – UAV Airframe and Systems Integration

Company: Heven AeroTech

Location: Winchester, VA

FLSA: Exempt

Reports To: Engineering PM

Role Summary

The Mechanical Engineer – UAV Airframe & Systems Integration will establish U.S.-based ownership of the mechanical architecture, leading structural integration, payload mounting design, and airframe modifications to support domestic manufacturing and evolving customer requirements. This role ensures structural integrity, weight optimization, and manufacturability as the program transitions to Winchester.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical architecture development for new UAV platforms including frame topology, materials, structural load paths, and payload interface standards.
• Lead mechanical integration of payloads, sensors, and customer-driven modifications while maintaining weight, CG, and vibration constraints.
• Develop and revise 3D CAD models, drawings, and interface control documentation to support domestic production.
• Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce assembly time and variability.
• Perform structural assessments, tolerance stack-ups, and basic FEA-informed design decisions to validate modifications.
  
  

Required

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 3–7 years of experience in UAV, aerospace, robotics, or electromechanical product environments with hands-on airframe integration responsibility.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation (SolidWorks or comparable platform), including tolerance stack-ups and assembly management.
• Experience designing lightweight structural components, mounting systems, and enclosure solutions underweight and CG constraints.
• Working knowledge of vibration mitigation, thermal considerations, fastener selection, and material trade studies for flight hardware.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical integration issues during bench, ground, and flight testing.
  
  

Preferred

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field with focus on aerospace structures, lightweight design, materials, or structural dynamics
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods while performing design reviews, inspections, and integration activities.
• Capability to lift, carry, or position components and equipment up to 25–40 lbs, including airframe parts, tooling, or test fixtures.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or work in confined spaces when assembling or inspecting UAV airframe structures and internal systems.
• Ability to use hand tools, measurement instruments, and mechanical test equipment requires fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
• Capability to work in workshops, hangar, or outdoor flight-test environments, potentially exposed to noise, moving equipment, or weather conditions.
• Ability to visually inspect mechanical components, fasteners, and structural details, including identifying small defects or alignment issues.
• Ability to travel occasionally to manufacturing, integration, or flight-test sites and safely operate in those environments.
  
  

Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.