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