Junior R&D Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. 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. Weoperateby 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 J unior R&D Engineer to support the rapid development, prototyping, integration, and testing of new technologies, subsystems, and product concepts. This is a highly hands-on engineering role intended for an individual who enjoys building and testing hardware while developing stronger mechanical design, CAD, prototyping, and engineering analysis skills. Working with guidance from senior engineers, the Junior R&D Engineer will help turn early concepts into functional prototypes, execute testing, document results, and iterate designs based on real-world performance.

• Create and modify 3D CAD models for prototype components, assemblies, test fixtures, and lab hardware.
• Modify existing designs based on prototype fit checks, testing results, manufacturing feedback, and engineering direction.
• Perform basic tolerance analysis and apply appropriate dimensions and clearances to prototype components.
• Create and compare design concepts and communicate the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with each approach.
• Develop increasing proficiency in designing components for additive manufacturing, machining, and other applicable manufacturing processes.

• Translate engineering concepts and CAD designs into functional prototypes.
• Build, modify, assemble, and troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical prototype systems.
• Use additive manufacturing, machining, hand fabrication, and other rapid-prototyping methods to support development activities.
• Design and fabricate test fixtures, assembly fixtures, jigs, adapters, and other development tools.
• Support electronics integration including component mounting, mechanical final assembly, cable routing, and basic wiring.
• Perform prototype fit checks and identify mechanical interference, assembly, tolerance, and serviceability issues.
• Work directly with engineers to rapidly iterate prototype designs based on build and test results.
• Execute mechanical, environmental, functional, and system-level testing as applicable.
• Accurately record test configurations, procedures, observations, measurements, failures, and results.
• Identify failure modes and assist with root-cause investigations.
• Recommend design or process improvements based on test results and observed performance.
• Generate concise engineering test reports documenting test objectives, configuration, methodology, results, conclusions, and recommended next steps.

• Maintain technical ownership and proficiency with R&D additive-manufacturing equipment, including SLS and FDM systems.
• Prepare, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate additive-manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and document repeatable printing, post-processing, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
• Evaluate new materials, print parameters, equipment, and processes that improve prototype quality.
• Maintain an organized and functional R&D prototyping environment.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate prototype materials, tools, equipment spare parts, and consumables.
• Help continuously improve R&D lab processes, equipment capabilities, and development workflows.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a technically related field; or equivalent combination of technical education and relevant hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience with mechanical fabrication,…