Associate Aero-Mechanical Engineer

Description

Work Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary Range:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $75,000 to $103,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Edge Autonomy is seeking an early-career Aero/Mechanical Engineer to join our Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team (IPT). In this role, you will support the design, development, and validation of air vehicle structures and systems — with a particular emphasis on composite materials and precision component fabrication. You’ll be involved in the full product lifecycle, from design through fabrication and testing, gaining hands‑on experience with CNC machining as part of the part creation process.

This position is ideal for an engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical or aerospace design who is eager to broaden their skills in manufacturing, prototyping, and integration within an uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) environment.

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Design and develop airframe and mechanical components for UAS, supporting projects from initial concept through production release.
• Apply knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods to optimize structural performance and weight.
• Support aerodynamic and structural analysis activities under senior engineering guidance.
• Assist with CAD modeling, drawing generation, and configuration updates using Solid Works (or equivalent CAD tools).
• Support design reviews and drawing release, labeling, and BOM updates.
• Collaborate with the production team to translate engineering designs into manufacturable components.
• Learn and operate CNC equipment to gain firsthand experience in prototype part creation and precision machining.
• Support test and validation activities, including component and system-level tests.
• Participate in documentation and process improvement efforts to enhance design and build efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• 1–3 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or a related mechanical design field.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Solid Works or CATIA.
• Basic understanding of composite materials, structures, and aerodynamic principles.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, layups, and assembly.
• Exposure to FEA or CFD tools for basic design validation.
• Willingness to learn and operate CNC machines and contribute to prototype fabrication.
• Experience supporting mechanical or structural design from concept through production preferred.
• Familiarity with technical drawing creation, documentation control, or configuration management.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communicator able to work collaboratively in cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive learner with interest in hands‑on work and end‑to‑end part realization.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred.
• Experience with composite layup, tooling design, or precision machining.
• Understanding of aerodynamic testing methods or prototype integration.
• Exposure to configuration management tools (e.g., PDM, JIRA, or similar).
• Previous work in UAS or small aircraft development environments.
• Experience assisting with test planning, data analysis, or validation efforts.
• Hands‑on aptitude and mechanical curiosity.
• Strong organizational and documentation habits.
• Desire to develop long‑term expertise in air vehicle structures and manufacturing integration.

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the…