Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Design

Swarm Aero

Swarm Aero

Other Engineering, Design

Oxnard, CA, USA

USD 155k-190k / year + Equity

Posted on May 2, 2026

Location

Oxnard, CA

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Aircraft

Compensation

  • $155K – $190K • Offers Equity

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.

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.

As a Mechanical Engineer at Swarm Aero, you will lead the design, integration, and testing of structural and mechanical systems that make our long-range aircraft possible. You’ll work from concept through flight test, ensuring designs are optimized for performance, manufacturability, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, integrate, and test aircraft mechanical systems such as flight controls, landing gear, fuel systems, and related subsystems.

  • Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and installation drawings.

  • Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) principles to enable rapid scaling of mechanical systems and assemblies.

  • Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible at scale.

  • Oversee fabrication, assembly, and test of mechanical subsystems.

  • Conduct engineering analyses; document and present findings.

  • Support testing and troubleshooting during prototype build, integration, and flight.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

  • 7+ years of mechanical design and integration experience.

  • Proficiency in CAD (NX preferred).

  • Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter or equivalent).

  • Knowledge of GD&T, drafting standards, and structural analysis fundamentals.

  • Understanding of machining, sheet metal, and composite processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or UAV programs.

  • Background in actuation systems, landing gear design, fuel or hydraulic systems.

  • Exposure to additive manufacturing methods.

  • Lifecycle experience from concept through production.

Compensation Range:

  • Base Salary: $165,000 - $210,000 + Equity

What we Offer:

  • Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company

  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k

  • PTO and paid sick time

  • Monthly Wellness Stipend

  • Daily catered lunch to office

  • Paid parental leave

  • Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security

  • World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

Optionally: Candidates for this position must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

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

Compensation Range: $155K - $190K