Mechanical Design Engineer – Rapid Prototyping & UAV Systems

$120000 - $150000 per annum, Benefits: Profit Share, Medical, Dental, Life, etc.United States Texas LeanderPermanentAerospaceAutomotiveManufacturingPosition: Mechanical Design Engineer – Rapid Prototyping & UAV SystemsLocation: Leander, Texas/ North Austin, TX Employment Type: Permanent, Full-TimeWork Schedule: OfficeCompany Overview NES Fircroft is proud to partner with an early-stage engineering and technology company, is seeking a highly capable Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of advanced hardware systems for high-reliability applications. Operating in a fast-paced startup environment, the organization emphasizes innovation, rapid iteration, and practical performance in real-world conditions. Based in Leander, TX, this is a full-time position with opportunity for advancement. Position Summary Our client is seeking a highly technical Mechanical Design Engineer to design, build, test, and transition mechanical systems from concept through prototype and into production. This role requires full lifecycle ownership of hardware performance, reliability, and manufacturability in demanding operating environments. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced startup setting, demonstrate strong initiative, and possess the technical depth to develop robust mechanical systems that perform under real-world conditions.Key ResponsibilitiesMechanical Design & DevelopmentLead end-to-end mechanical design of components, mechanisms, and structures from concept through productionProduce CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, and validation plansDesign systems capable of reliable performance under real-world loads and environmental conditionsPrototyping & IterationRapidly prototype using in-house tools and external vendorsOwn the full iteration loop: CAD fabrication assembly testing revisionConduct failure analysis and implement design improvements based on test dataMechanisms & System IntegrationDesign and integrate linkages, gears, motors, actuators, and high-load assembliesEnsure mechanical systems function effectively within larger electro-mechanical systemsTesting & ValidationDevelop and execute validation plans simulating real-world operating conditionsIdentify failure modes and implement corrective design actionsEnsure designs meet safety, reliability, and performance requirementsDesign for Manufacturability & ProductionApply DFM/DFA principles from initial design stagesCollaborate with machinists, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure precision and scalabilitySupport transition from prototype to low- and high-volume productionProcurement & Build SupportSource materials, components, and fabrication partnersResolve supply chain and build challenges to maintain development velocityDocumentation & Continuous ImprovementMaintain engineering documentation, BOMs, revision control, and build proceduresCapture lessons learned to improve reliability, safety, and development speedRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplineProven hands-on experience designing mechanical hardware from concept through prototype and productionStrong CAD proficiency and working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysisExperience designing for real-world loads, reliability, and manufacturabilityDemonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced, high-accountability environmentsU.S. person status required to comply with ITAR regulationsPreferred QualificationsExperience with high-performance mechanical systems (e.g., aerospace, defense, robotics, UAVs, or similar)Background designing hardware that has been field-tested or deployedExperience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping toolsStartup or small-team environment experience with broad ownershipFamiliarity with Onshape or willingness to adopt new CAD platformsWhy Join This OpportunityEquity participation — Opportunity to share in the company's long-term success and value creationAccelerated career growth — Early-stage environment with clear pathways to expanded scope, leadership, and technical ownershipMeaningful impact — Contribute to technologies designed to enhance safety, resilience, and operational effectiveness in real-world applicationsVoice and influence — Flat structure where ideas are heard, and engineers directly shape product direction and technical decisionsBroad technical exposure — Ability to wear multiple hats and contribute beyond a narrow scope, accelerating skill development across design, testing, manufacturing, and deploymentHigh ownership culture — Engineers maintain end-to-end responsibility, enabling faster learning cycles and tangible resultsStartup agility — Rapid iteration and decision-making without layers of bureaucracyBenefits - 100% paid for employee, 90% for family plus Unlimited PTOThis is an excellent opportunity to become part of a fast-paced startup who is driving forward increasingly specialized and innovative solutions within the defense and automation industry. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without ongoing sponsorship or a visa. The successful applicant will receive competitive base salary, share options, and comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, 401K match, holidays/ PTO, and more. For more information on this opportunity or others, please contact Mishu Ventura. With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.