Principal Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary

Teal's Mechanical Engineers are responsible for their designs from conception to sustaining of released products.  As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you are responsible for the high-level mechanical system design of our product including a drone, gimbal/optical systems, payload applications, accessories, and ground control stations. 

You work closely with the other discipline lead engineers and the product manager to decompose product level requirements into a system architecture and set of engineering requirements that achieve the product vision with the best compromise of development time, cost, and design complexity. 

You also direct the efforts of other mechanical engineers who are focused on specific subsystems, and you integrate their designs to build a robust integrated system.  You take ownership of the design and drive yourself and others to produce the best possible product.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical system architecture across all drone platforms
• Set initial work breakdown structures and initial schedule target dates
• Primary point of contact for integration of ME systems into the drone with Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, etc.
• Ownership and guidance for critical issues in quality or manufacturing
• Best practice / technical guidance document ownership (first article inspection criteria, battery acceptance, etc.)
• Point of contact for 3rd party supplier integration or other Red Cat division collaboration
• Work with a cross-disciplinary team to break down product requirements into clear testable and traceable formal system and subsystem engineering requirements
• Perform trade studies to identify and down select critical system components and technologies
• Lead a team of engineers and integrate their designs into a working system
• Implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) best practices and feedback
• Write or oversee and execute Engineering Verification Test (EVT) procedures
• Maintain an accurate mechanical bill of materials (BOM) in the product lifecycle management (PLM) system

Required Qualifications

• BS Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 15 years’ experience leading unmanned aircraft systems (UAV) design and verification
• Working knowledge of drone propulsion systems (propeller design, motors, etc.), structural analysis, vibration, and heat transfer. FEA and CFD experience preferred.
• Experience in SolidWorks, PDM, and PLM (Arena preferred) systems
• Proficiency in setting up and the use of laboratory test equipment (thermal, vibration, structural, propulsion)
• Experience leading and working with suppliers for new component or systems manufacturing to reduce costs and improve design quality
• Demonstrated experience defining technical requirements from high level product (user) requirements
• Demonstrated understanding of Waterfall design and development methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to work well in and through cross functional teams and ability to influence decisions to drive optional design performance

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.