Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About Aventra Aventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.

Position Overview & Key ResponsibilitiesPosition Overview 

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems within our high-altitude platform product line — from early prototype through a field-ready, producible design. This is a hands-on, individual-contributor role with clear subsystem ownership: you'll take a specific piece of the high-altitude system and drive it from where it stands today toward a production-ready product.

Key Responsibilities Subsystem Design

- Own mechanical design of an assigned high-altitude subsystem, building on existing prototypes and designs

- Design for reliability, manufacturability, and cost at the subsystem level

- Run bench and field testing to validate performance across environmental and altitude conditions

Productization

- Drive the transition from working prototype to a field-ready, producible design

- Identify and resolve manufacturing, sourcing, and reliability issues before they reach production

- Support production handoff once a design is field-validated

Integration & Iteration

- Coordinate with electrical and software teams on actuation, control, and sensor feedback interfaces relevant to the subsystem

- Incorporate flight test data and field feedback into iterative design improvements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

- 3-6 years of industry experience in mechanical design, ideally including high-altitude, pneumatic/fluidic, or release/deployment mechanisms

- Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or OnShape, with a demonstrable portfolio of designs you've taken from concept through hardware

- Hands-on prototyping and testing experience

- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with high-altitude balloon systems, valves, ballast/release mechanisms, or other stratospheric platform hardware

- Aerospace or defense hardware background

- Startup/small company experience

Compensation Package

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience

- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered

- 4% 401k match

- PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work EnvironmentTravel Requirements

- Travel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locations

- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments

- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment

- In-person role based in Herndon, VA 

- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions

- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.