Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.
The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.
We are hiring a Mechanical Engineer to design, integrate, and test the structural and mechanical systems that make our aircraft possible. This is a broad role by design. Depending on your background and where the program needs you most, your work may center on mechanical subsystems like flight controls, landing gear, fuel, and actuation, or on composite and metallic airframe structures. Most likely it will be both.
You will own designs from blank sheet through flight test. You will make real decisions, defend them in design reviews, and see your hardware fly. There is no handoff culture here. The engineer who designs it supports the build, the test, and the fix.
Design, integrate, and test aircraft mechanical systems including flight controls, landing gear, fuel systems, actuation, and related subsystems
Design composite and metallic airframe structures with clean load paths, sound joints, and analysis to back them up
Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and installation drawings
Drive design for manufacturability so mechanical systems and structures can scale with the program
Partner directly with manufacturing, suppliers, and technicians to get hardware built right
Conduct engineering analyses, document findings, and present them to the team
Support fabrication, assembly, integration, and troubleshooting through prototype build and flight test
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
5+ years of mechanical design, structures design, or design and integration experience
Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred)
Working knowledge of GD&T, drafting standards, and structural analysis fundamentals
Understanding of machining, sheet metal, and composite manufacturing processes
Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter or equivalent)
A track record of owning hardware from concept through build and test
Experience on aerospace, defense, or UAV programs
Background in composite airframe structures, laminate design, or structural test correlation
Background in actuation systems, landing gear, fuel, or hydraulic systems
Exposure to additive manufacturing methods
ITAR requirement
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.
What We Offer
Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and paid sick leave
Monthly wellness stipend
Daily catered lunch (office)
Paid parental leave
Direct impact on a critical national security mission
A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems
Will AI replace this role?
Check AI displacement risk, transferable skills, and career alternatives for Mechanical Engineer
The Mechanical Engineer position at Swarmaero is based in Oxnard. This is an on-site position.
The Mechanical Engineer position at Swarmaero is a Full time role.
The Mechanical Engineer position at Swarmaero requires 5+ yrs exp.
