Head of Mechanical Engineering

Head Of Mechanical Engineering

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.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Head Of Mechanical Engineering to help us build a world class team of Mechanical Engineers in Denver, designing innovative sUAS product lines and peripherals.

What You'll Do

• Drive execution of complex mechanical systems from layout through design, production and field deployment.
• Guide design decisions for solutions optimized for high volume manufacturing and sustainment, with a focus on durability and usability in the field.
• Partner with Electrical, Software, Systems, Product, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated products.
• Establish technical direction, engineering standards, and development processes across mechanical engineering programs.
• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, and engineering risk assessments across multiple programs.
• Build organizational capability through hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development.
• Develop resource plans, staffing strategies, and organizational structures to support company growth.
• Help build and scale PDW's Denver engineering hub into a world-class engineering organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience developing complex mechanical systems for high-rate production.
• 4+ years of engineering leadership experience managing technical teams and senior engineers.
• Experience designing for high-volume manufacturing including injection molding, casting and stamping.
• Experience in driving electromechanical designs including motors, sensors and complex cable and harness assemblies
• Experience qualifying components and assemblies using statistical process control (SPC)
• A pragmatic approach to tolerancing and specifications optimizing use of GD&T
• Experience leading a cross functional team of engineers and industrial design in formation of multiple products.
• Exposure to electronics and software design fields.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work well under pressure with dynamic and tight deadlines.
• Experience participating in cross-functional engineering efforts in fast-paced product development environments.
• Experience establishing engineering processes, technical standards, and development methodologies.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience scaling engineering teams through periods of rapid organizational growth.
• Experience developing highly integrated mechanical systems incorporating compute, sensing, communications, and power subsystems.
• Experience with AS9100, ISO
  9001, or similar quality management systems.
• Experience supporting new product introduction, production ramp and high-volume manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with UAVs, robotics, aircraft systems, or autonomous platforms.
• Experience supporting products deployed in…