Edge Autonomy · 18 hours ago
Lead UAV Airframe Engineer
San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$155K/yr - $195K/yr
8+ years expEdge Autonomy is seeking a Lead UAV Airframe Engineer to serve as the mechanical engineering lead for the Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team. This role involves technical responsibility for the airframe architecture, structural design, and mechanical integration of the aircraft, ensuring that all considerations are integrated across the vehicle lifecycle.
AerospaceDrone ManagementDrones
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for the Air Vehicle IPT, owning airframe technical direction and decision-making
Define and maintain the airframe system architecture, structural design philosophy, and mechanical integration strategy
Own airframe requirements flowdown, trade studies, and design margins
Act as the technical authority for airframe-related design reviews, change control, and configuration decisions
Lead structural and mechanical design efforts including primary and secondary structures, joints, load paths, and interfaces
Ensure proper integration of propulsion, avionics, payloads, landing gear, and other subsystems into the airframe
Oversee composite and metallic structural designs, including material selection and manufacturing methods
Ensure designs meet performance, weight, strength, durability, and manufacturability requirements
Guide structural analysis activities (loads, stress, vibration, fatigue) and ensure alignment with design assumptions
Define structural test strategies, including component, subscale, and full-scale testing
Support ground and flight test efforts by providing airframe technical support and rapid issue resolution
Own closure of airframe-related discrepancies, test findings, and nonconformances
Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure airframe designs are producible and scalable
Support tooling, fixture, and assembly process development
Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) improvements
Support production readiness reviews and transition to sustained production
Serve as the primary airframe interface to systems engineering, program management, and leadership
Communicate technical risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to stakeholders
Mentor airframe engineers and specialists through technical guidance and design reviews
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field required
8–12+ years of progressive experience in airframe, structural, or mechanical design for aircraft or UAS
Demonstrated experience leading airframe or structural design efforts on complex aerospace systems
Experience working within IPT or program-based engineering environments
Strong expertise in airframe structures, load paths, and mechanical integration
Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar)
Familiarity with structural analysis methods and interpretation of results
Experience with composite structures, bonding, and aerospace fastener systems
Understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and materials
Technical authority with strong engineering judgment
Ability to lead through influence rather than formal people management
Strong systems-thinking mindset and attention to interfaces
Clear communicator capable of explaining complex technical topics
Bias toward execution, risk identification, and practical solutions
Preferred
Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Experience with UAV or small/medium aircraft development programs
Prior ownership of airframe technical baselines through flight test
Experience supporting certification, qualification, or military airworthiness processes
Experience specifically with SolidWorks CAD and PDM/PLM
Proven ability to balance performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
Strong mentoring capability for developing engineers
Comfort operating in fast-paced, prototype-driven environments
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
Company
Edge Autonomy
Edge Autonomy manufactures unmanned aircraft vehicles for the government and private companies.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-01-20Acquired
Leadership Team
John Purvis
Chief Executive Officer
Allen Gardner
CTO
Recent News
2025-12-19
The Motley Fool
2025-12-05
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