Staff Aero-Mechanical Engineer

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000.00 to 184,000.00 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Staff Aero-Mechanical Engineer to serve as a cross-disciplinary technical leader responsible for the design and integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), including airframe and all integrated subsystems. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role drives major architecture decisions, ensures design integrity from concept to production, and mentors engineering teams through the full development lifecycle.

Staff Engineers balance deep technical execution with system-level thinking, both executing designs and setting standards that improve team throughput and quality. They act as trusted technical advisors to program and engineering leadership, supporting reviews, trade studies, and continuous improvement initiatives that shape the company’s technical roadmap.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Own the architecture and integration of mechanical and aero systems across airframe and integrated UAS.
• Lead cross-disciplinary technical design reviews and mentor project teams through critical design milestones.
• Perform detailed analysis balancing weight, strength, thermal performance, and manufacturability.
• Develop design standards, checklists, and best practices for CAD modeling and documentation across the team.
• Oversee validation testing and troubleshoot issues that span mechanical, structural, and system interfaces.
• Contribute to system architecture definition and configuration management strategy for multi-program alignment.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to ensure design maturity supports manufacturing scalability.
• Serve as a technical mentor and provide guidance on complex analyses or cross-functional trade-offs.
• Drive innovation initiatives through R&D and IRAD projects to advance new technologies and processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required.
• 7–10 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace, UAS, or defense environments.
• Demonstrated ownership of system-level designs and cross-discipline integration.
• Proven experience leading design reviews and guiding teams through development cycles.
• Expert CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred) with large-assembly and PDM management experience.
• Proficiency in mechanical and structural analysis methods (FEA, thermal, fatigue).
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes including composites and precision machining.
• Understanding of systems engineering principles and configuration management.
• Ability to translate requirements into design solutions and verify via testing.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence technical direction.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proactive communication style that builds alignment across teams.
• Organized and strategic thinker capable of balancing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to mentoring others and advancing engineering discipline maturity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years in aerospace design and integration with lead engineering or project lead responsibilities.
• Experience with flight test campaigns and validation of aerospace structures or mechanisms.
• Proficiency with advanced simulation and optimization tools (CFD, multiphysics, fatigue modeling).
• Experience developing design standards or training content for engineering teams.
• Familiarity with safety and regulatory requirements for defense or certified aircraft programs.
• Ability to think strategically about technology roadmaps and process improvement.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to foster trust within technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to balance innovation with schedule and risk considerations.
• Effective stakeholder management with a focus on collaboration and execution.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.