Mechanical Engineering Manager – Unmanned Aircraft Systems, California

Darwin have partnered with a defense technology company building unmanned aircraft systems for defense and security customers. Growing quickly and under strict confidentiality at this stage, they’re looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to build and lead the team behind the mechanical side of their platforms.

This is a genuine leadership mandate, not a hands-off management seat. You’ll be close enough to the technical work to shape design decisions and unblock hard problems, while building a team around you that can operate with real autonomy.

Why Join?

• Genuine leadership seat over mechanical engineering for unmanned aircraft platforms, with real influence on how the function is built and run.
• Backed by strong funding and serious commercial momentum, giving you the resources to build properly rather than firefight.
• Direct exposure to leadership and the ability to shape how mechanical engineering operates as the company scales.
• A lean, high-velocity culture where decisions get made fast and engineers are trusted to own real problems.
• Confidential opportunity at this stage – full detail shared under NDA once engaged.

The Role

• Build, lead and grow a team of mechanical engineers spanning structures, mechanisms and system-level integration.
• Own technical direction and design reviews, balancing performance, manufacturability, cost and schedule.
• Mentor and develop engineers across levels, building genuine team capability rather than just pushing output.
• Partner closely with electrical, software and propulsion functions to keep mechanical design integrated across the full vehicle.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing decisions to support fast iteration and production scaling.
• Represent the mechanical function at design reviews and in front of leadership.

Experience of Interest

• Proven track record managing or leading a mechanical engineering team, ideally within aerospace, defense or another fast-paced hardware environment.
• Strong technical grounding in mechanical design – structures, mechanisms or systems integration on complex hardware.
• Comfortable in a lean, high-ownership setting where speed and real decision-making are expected.
• Genuine interest in developing engineers, not just managing headcount.
• US Security Clearance is beneficial.
• US Citizenship required.

Location & Package

Based on-site in California. Salary $160,000 – circa. $200,000 DOE, with full benefits and relocation package. Full company details shared under NDA with shortlisted candidates.

Reach out to Kyle Gauntlett, Executive Recruiter – Defense at Darwin Recruitment if you’re open to hearing more – Kyle.Gauntlett@darwinrecruitment.com

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kyle Gauntlett