Rapid Prototyping Mechanical / Structures Engineer

Location San Diego Employment Type Full time Location Type Hybrid Department Advanced Development Compensation $125K – $175K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus Our openings span more than one career level. The provided salary depends on many factors, such as work experience and transferable skills, business needs and impact, and market demands. About Us: Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within. About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Rapid Prototyping Mechanical / Structures Engineer to transform early aircraft concepts into physical flying platforms. In this role, you will work at the center of Havoc’s advanced development program, building and iterating airframe structures at high velocity. You will design composite structures, fabricate components, and develop tooling that enables rapid prototype cycles. This is a hands-on engineering role where design work and physical hardware development happen side‑by‑side. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between CAD, workshop fabrication, structural testing, and flight readiness. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments and enjoy turning ideas into flying machines quickly, this role offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Key Responsibilities Rapid Airframe Development Translate conceptual aircraft designs into functional prototype airframes Design and fabricate composite structures for UAV platforms Composite Fabrication Develop and manufacture carbon fiber and composite airframe components Design modular wing systems, fuselage structures, and structural assemblies Tooling & Manufacturing Design and build molds, fixtures, and tooling for rapid hardware iteration Develop manufacturing processes that support repeatable builds Structural Optimization Optimize structures for weight, strength, and durability Support structural analysis and validation testing Flight Readiness Support airframe integration, flight readiness reviews, and structural validation Work closely with flight test teams during prototype deployment Design for Production Design structures that can transition from prototype to scalable manufacturing Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field Experience designing and fabricating composite airframe structures Hands‑on UAV, drone, or experimental aircraft build experience Proficiency with CAD tools for mechanical and structural design Comfortable working in lab, shop, and field test environments Strong bias toward execution and rapid iteration Preferred Qualifications Experience designing composite tooling and molds Experience with lightweight structural optimization Background in experimental aircraft or high‑performance UAV programs Experience designing structures for scalable production Familiarity with aerospace structural analysis tools Success in the First 12 Months Establish weekly or biweekly hardware iteration cycles Deliver lightweight, durable prototype airframes Develop structural designs capable of repeatable and scalable builds Support flight validation of multiple prototype aircraft Benefits: 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families Life Insurance (Employer Paid) Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching) Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum Equity Package Work / Home Office Stipend Global Entry 16 Week Paid Parental Leave Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend Our Values: Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology. Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships. Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation. Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity. Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care. Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, and the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long‑term success and making a lasting impact. HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Compensation Range: $125K - $175K #J-18808-Ljbffr Drive Capital