Mechanical Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator.

We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and  approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.

-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values:
Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Our Mechanical Engineer will:

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies with increasing ownership and independence.
• Produce accurate 3D CAD models, GD&T-annotated drawings, and BOMs in Solid Works.
• Apply DFM and DFA principles to ensure designs are manufacturable and scalable.
• Participate in and contribute to design reviews, prototype builds, and validation testing.
• Identify and resolve hardware issues through structured root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, electrical, and product to deliver well-integrated designs.
• Maintain engineering documentation including ECOs, test reports, and design rationale.
• Begin taking end-to-end ownership of well-scoped mechanical problems.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, with 3+ years of professional mechanical design experience.
• Solid 3D CAD skills in Solid Works, with professional experience producing production-ready models and drawings.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Hands‑on experience with common manufacturing processes including sheet metal, injection molding, or CNC machining.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA/DFT principles and experience applying them in a professional context.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with ability to collaborate across disciplines.

• Experience with FEA or CFD tools for structural or thermal analysis.
• Background or personal interest in UAVs, robotics, or aerospace systems.
• Exposure to electromechanical co‑design and integration with PCBs or wire harnesses.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems and formal ECO processes.
• Experience with advanced materials such as carbon fiber composites or additive manufacturing.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment and standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non‑climate‑controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.

This is a fast‑paced work environment and requires cross‑departmental collaboration with independent and team‑based responsibilities.

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee…