What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer position at Kawak Aviation Technologies?
Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR)
Pay Range: $110,000-130,000
Build products that fight wildfires, solve real-world problems, and make a direct impact with a passionate small-team culture.
We design and deliver aircraft-integrated utility systems used in live aerial firefighting operations.
These aren’t long-cycle, theoretical programs.
Kawak aerial firefighting solutions go from concept → certification → aircraft → field operation in tight cycles, and they’re relied on in high-risk environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.
We’re a small, high-performing team, and we’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who wants real ownership and real impact.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and own design of aircraft-integrated utility systems from concept through certification and production
- Develop real hardware: systems, structures, tanks, hydraulics, composite components
- Work directly with production, quality, and program leadership
- Primary customer interface for assigned programs
- Drive engineering and design within FAA/STC certification environments
- Support testing, validation, and real-world performance
You won’t be one layer removed from the product.
You’ll be responsible for it.
What Makes This Role Different
- Your designs go onto aircraft and into operation
- Fast iteration compared to traditional aerospace programs
- High ownership. Low bureaucracy
- Direct impact on product direction and performance
- Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs
What We’re Looking For
- 8 years hands on mechanical engineering/design experience
- Prior aviation, aerospace, or defense industry background strongly valued
- Strong CAD (SolidWorks) and design fundamentals
- Deep multi-discipline expertise (structural, hydraulic, mechanisms, electronics)
- Ability to take products from concept through production
- Mentors Level 1 and Level 2 engineers
Location
Bend, Oregon - Relocation support available for the right candidate
Interested?
If you’re looking for a role where your work moves quickly, matters in the field, and you can take true ownership of what you build, we should talk.
Apply here or reach out directly.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience ($100-120k starting).
- Medical, dental, vision coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.
Salary : $110,000 - $130,000