Senior Mechanical Engineer — Engines

Description: Northwest UAV builds small, specialized engines for specific unmanned systems applications. The Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Sr. ME) leads the mechanical design, development, integration, validation, and engineering release of small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engine and propulsion-system products. The Sr. ME applies engineering analysis and practical engine knowledge to develop components, assemblies, installation interfaces, and supporting documentation for reliable manufacture and operation. This role supports prototype builds, test-cell and field testing, production, and in-service troubleshooting, and serves as a technical liaison among project leadership, customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation for UAV engine and propulsion-system products, including design packages, component and assembly drawings, interface and installation drawings, bills of material, service bulletins, and engineering test specifications.
• Perform and document mechanical engineering analyses and simulations for engine components and assemblies, including structural, thermal, vibration, fatigue, tolerance, and material assessments as applicable.
• Evaluate materials, manufacturing methods, components, and emerging technologies for application to UAV engines and related propulsion systems.
• Lead root-cause investigations of test, production, and field failures; develop corrective actions and verify that technical issues are effectively resolved.
• Provide technical leadership for assigned engine-development projects, coordinating engineering priorities, deliverables, design reviews, risks, and cross-functional actions.
• Maintain working knowledge of engine specifications, build manuals, parts catalogs, drawings, test data, configuration records, and service history, and use these resources to resolve technical issues.
• Support prototype and production engine builds, test-cell activities, instrumentation, data review, and field evaluations to confirm performance, durability, reliability, and installation compatibility.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Project Management, customers, and suppliers to ensure engine designs are manufacturable, serviceable, configuration-controlled, and aligned with program requirements.
• Work safely at all times and follow company requirements for engine operation, test-cell activities, fuels, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, and other applicable hazards.
• Perform work in accordance with the NWUAV quality management system and applicable AS9100, configuration-control, and engineering-change requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers, designers, technicians, and other team members. Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or owner of NWUAV..

Skills, Experience, and Aptitude:

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field and at least five (5) years of relevant engineering experience are required.
• The Sr. ME will have strong mechanical design and problem-solving skills and experience developing internal-combustion engines, propulsion systems, or similarly complex mechanical products from concept through production release.
• The employee must be proficient in Solidworks, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, materials and manufacturing processes, design for manufacturability and assembly, and structured root-cause analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, and other Microsoft applications is required.
• Knowledge of engine components and subsystems — including crankshafts, valvetrains, induction, fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, mounting, and accessory interfaces - is strongly preferred.
• Experience with small engines, aerospace propulsion, UAV systems, defense programs, and AS9100-controlled product development is preferred.
• Experience with prototype builds, dynamometer or test-cell testing, instrumentation, and engine performance and durability data is preferred.
• The employee must effectively interpret technical requirements, drawings, specifications, work instructions, test procedures, and configuration records.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Safely lift and carry heavy objects with the help of another person if necessary.
• Ability to work well independently and following strict adherence to deadlines.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position throughout the day alternating sitting and standing as necessary.
• Perform repetitive movement such as pushing, pulling, bending, some twisting and stooping.
• Perform fine hand manipulation including handling small and large objects.
• Ability to communicate clearly and be positive, polite, and cooperative with co-workers, managers, customers and vendors.

• Date Posted: 2026-09-18
• Post Expires: 2026-10-18

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.

If you feel you are qualified for this position, please reply with your Employment Application AND resume to nwuavjobs@nwuav.com. No office visits please. Make sure to add the position title in the subject line so that your resume is properly sorted.

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Benefits: NWUAV provides top-tier employee compensation benefits to all qualified employees, as well as a relaxed, team-oriented work environment, including: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave, Cafeteria Plan and 401K.

Due to Federal ITAR requirements Northwest UAV (NWUAV) is only able to hire U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylum, or Refugee. Northwest UAV is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.

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