Job Information
Red Cat Holdings Senior Mechanical Engineer in Torrance, California
Salary Range $132,000.00 - $180,000.00 Salary
Description
Position Summary
FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Mechanical Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating a range of mechanical systems into flight hardware and ground control systems. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical design of drones and/or multi-axis camera gimbals in high volume production applications.
Location Note: The role is based in Torrence, CA.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the mechanical decision making of a new program.
Design electro-mechanical systems for UAS systems in SolidWorks.
Prototype, validate, and prepare designs for scalable manufacturing.
Develop and build tools, fixtures, and automation jigs for manufacturing.
Identify and qualify new vendors and manufacturing partners.
Draft assembly procedures, inspection and test procedures, test reports, and product requirements documents.
Get hands on with the NPI process, including building hardware systems yourself.
Fly, design, and build incredible drones.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
5+ years of industry experience in a design-focused engineering role.
Demonstrated excellence in problem-solving, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
5+ years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms (e.g., NX, Creo, AutoCAD).
Proven ability to drive system-level architecture decisions and support full lifecycle product development through strong systems engineering principles.
Proven ability to perform FEA analysis, including modal, thermal and aerodynamic analysis.
Proven experience designing for high-rate production, including rapid prototyping and new product development.
Additional Desired Qualifications
Experience with BLDC motor system design and integration.
Background in flexible PCB and cable routing design for high-reliability motion systems.
Experience in robotics, UAVs/drones, or related industries.
Familiarity with camera systems and other optical components.
Experience supporting PCBA layout and production from a mechanical engineering perspective.
Experience with microcontroller programming for test fixtures, production systems, or related hardware.
Knowledge of structural composite design (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber) and composite mold design.
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 15 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.
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 (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf) rules.
Compensation: $132k – $180k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.