Job description

Griffon Aerospace, a leader in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry, is seeking a talented Aerial Target Mechanical Engineer to support our aerial target and unmanned aircraft product lines. Our Madison, AL based small business is seeking innovative individuals who want to join an up tempo, maker culture that proudly provides products and services to support the American Warfighter! Griffon Aerospace is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Aerial Target Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Madison, Alabama. In this role, you'll support the design, analysis, testing, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their associated ground launch systems. You will collaborate with senior engineers to ensure aircraft and launcher hardware meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist in the design, analysis, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and associated ground launch systems • Conduct engineering analyses using CAD, FEA, or CFD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS) to support fielded air vehicle and launcher hardware • Support integration of new or replacement components into fielded aircraft and launcher hardware, including obsolescence resolution and form/fit/function substitutions • Support structural, thermal, and mechanical testing activities for air vehicles and launch systems • Assist with limited design tasks on airframe structures and launcher components as needed to support sustainment and integration efforts • Prepare technical documentation, reports, and design presentations • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing • Help ensure compliance with aerospace standards and safety regulations (e.g., FAA, NASA, DoD) • Participate in prototype fabrication, integration, and validation testing DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE • 0-5 years of mechanical or aerospace engineering experience; relevant internship, co-op, or academic project experience considered • Exposure to CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) • Familiarity with composite materials and fabrication methods (wet layup, prepreg) • Exposure to structural/FEA analysis tools • Understanding of small, unmanned aircraft or target drone systems • Hands-on fabrication, machining, or prototyping experience REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field • Basic understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to work hands-on in a lab/production environment as well as at a desk • Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with electrical, software, and production teams • Willingness to travel occasionally to support flight test PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Internship or project experience in aircraft or unmanned system design • Exposure to systems engineering principles and model-based design tools • Knowledge of industry standards (AS9100, FAA Part 23/25, MIL-STD) • Experience with programming or data analysis (Python, MATLAB, C++) • Hands-on experience with composites, propulsion systems, or avionics integration JOB LOCATION • Madison, Alabama, United States POSITION TYPE • Full-Time/Regular COMPENSATION/BENEFITS • Competitive Salary/Comprehensive Benefits Package US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED • Yes ABILITY TO OBTAIN SECURITY CLEARANCE • Yes, ability to gain and maintain a Secret clearance WHAT WE OFFER • Competitive salary and benefits package • Mentorship and training from experienced aerospace professionals • Opportunities for career growth and project ownership • Collaborative and innovative work environment

Requirements

Must-haves

Assist in the design, analysis, and sustainment of fielded unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and associated ground launch systems
Conduct engineering analyses using CAD, FEA, or CFD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS) to support fielded air vehicle and launcher hardware
Support integration of new or replacement components into fielded aircraft and launcher hardware, including obsolescence resolution and form/fit/function substitutions
Support structural, thermal, and mechanical testing activities for air vehicles and launch systems
Assist with limited design tasks on airframe structures and launcher components as needed to support sustainment and integration efforts
Prepare technical documentation, reports, and design presentations
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing
Help ensure compliance with aerospace standards and safety regulations (e.g., FAA, NASA, DoD)
Participate in prototype fabrication, integration, and validation testing
0-5 years of mechanical or aerospace engineering experience; relevant internship, co-op, or academic project experience considered
Exposure to CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
Familiarity with composite materials and fabrication methods (wet layup, prepreg)
Exposure to structural/FEA analysis tools
Understanding of small, unmanned aircraft or target drone systems
Hands-on fabrication, machining, or prototyping experience
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Basic understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work hands-on in a lab/production environment as well as at a desk

Nice-to-haves

Internship or project experience in aircraft or unmanned system design
Exposure to systems engineering principles and model-based design tools
Knowledge of industry standards (AS9100, FAA Part 23/25, MIL-STD)
Experience with programming or data analysis (Python, MATLAB, C++)
Hands-on experience with composites, propulsion systems, or avionics integration

Application prep

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