Senior Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace, 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer to own structural design and analysis on their aircraft platforms.

This is a genuine ownership seat, not a narrow design role. You’ll take primary structure from concept through design, analysis, manufacturing oversight, and test validation, driving your own engineering decisions rather than relying on separate teams to hand you loads and analysis.

Why Join?

• Genuine technical ownership over aircraft structure, with real influence on design direction rather than executing someone else’s analysis.
• Backed by strong funding and serious commercial momentum, giving you the resources to build properly rather than firefight.
• A lean, high-velocity culture where decisions get made fast and engineers are trusted to own hard problems end to end.
• Direct exposure to new platform development, working close to leadership as the function scales.
• Confidential opportunity at this stage – full detail shared under NDA once engaged.

The Role

• Lead mechanical design and structural analysis for aircraft platforms across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, testing, production and field support.
• Perform first-order structural analysis and hand calculations to inform design decisions directly.
• Create and maintain CAD models, engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation with strong GD&T discipline.
• Lead structural testing, analyze results and drive corrective action on complex issues.
• Partner closely with electrical, manufacturing and flight-test teams to keep mechanical design integrated across the full vehicle.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and help shape engineering standards as the team scales.

Experience of Interest

• Significant hands-on experience in mechanical design and analysis on complex hardware, ideally aircraft structures.
• Strong fundamentals in structures, hand calculations and first-order analysis, comfortable owning both design and analysis rather than handing off to a separate function.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, GD&T and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Comfortable in a lean, high-ownership setting where speed and real decision-making are expected.
• Genuine interest in mentoring engineers and raising technical standards.
• Experience with unmanned aircraft systems is a strong plus, as is exposure to VTOL platforms.
• US Citizenship required.

Location & Package

Based on-site in California. $180,000-$235,000, 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