Level 3 Mechanical Engineer – UAS Launch System Production Engineering
Job Description
Level 3 Mechanical Engineer – UAS Launch System Production Engineering
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Seniority: Level 3 Mechanical Engineer
Reports To: Chief Engineer
Company Description
Purple Rhombus designs, builds, manufactures, and tests unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for U.S. government and commercial customers. Focused on producibility, Purple Rhombus aircraft are engineered for scalable manufacture, rapid deployment, and mission-ready performance. We are seeking mission-driven individuals to join the team to build the next generation of unmanned aircraft.
Position Overview
Purple Rhombus is seeking a Level 3 Mechanical Engineer to transition a prototype unmanned aircraft launch system into a reliable, repeatable, and manufacturable production product. This engineer will own detailed mechanical design improvements, production documentation, supplier coordination, and assembly validation under the direction of senior engineering leadership.
The role requires hands-on mechanical design experience, strong CAD and drawing skills, and practical judgment in materials, fabrication, tolerances, and mechanical assembly. The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with prototype hardware, has a background in hands-on mechanical assembly, identifying issues, and converting one-off solutions into repeatable manufacturing processes.
Experience with powered machinery, electromechanical equipment, launch equipment, or low-volume production is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Prototype-to-Production Transition
Evaluate the prototype launcher for manufacturability, serviceability, repeatability, safety, and cost. Identify design changes required for production and implement improvements while preserving validated system performance.
Mechanical Design & Detailing
Develop and release production-ready CAD models, detailed drawings, tolerances, bills of materials, and assembly documentation. Design structural members, mounts, brackets, guards, interfaces, and other mechanical components.
Design for Manufacturing & Assembly
Simplify components and assemblies to reduce fabrication effort, part count, tooling requirements, and assembly time. Apply practical DFM/DFA principles to machining, welding, sheet metal, purchased parts, and mechanical fastening.
Production Tooling & Assembly Processes
Develop fixtures, alignment methods, work instructions, and inspection checkpoints to support consistent launcher assembly. Work with technicians to establish and refine the build sequence.
Supplier & Procurement Support
Prepare technical packages for quotations, resolve supplier questions, review manufacturing feedback, and support selection of materials and components. Coordinate with purchasing and vendors to address lead times and quality issues.
Electromechanical Integration
Support packaging and mechanical integration of motors, drive components, pulleys, ropes or straps, bearings, cooling equipment, sensors, and electrical enclosures in coordination with electrical and controls engineers.
Test, Verification & Troubleshooting
Support prototype and production-configuration assembly, ground testing, and performance verification. Diagnose mechanical failures, fit-up issues, vibration, wear, and reliability concerns; document and implement corrective actions.
Configuration & Production Documentation
Maintain controlled mechanical drawings, BOMs, revision history, and engineering change records. Ensure released production configurations reflect tested and approved hardware.
Cross-Functional Execution
Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, vendors, and test personnel. Participate in design reviews, production readiness activities, and hands-on assembly and troubleshooting.
Required Qualifications
Three or more years of mechanical engineering, product development, manufacturing engineering, or related experience.
Proficiency in 3D CAD and creation of production drawings with appropriate dimensions and tolerances.
Experience designing mechanical assemblies and selecting materials, fasteners, bearings, and fabrication methods.
Practical understanding of machining, welding, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly processes.
Ability to develop and maintain bills of materials, work instructions, and engineering change documentation.
Experience troubleshooting prototype hardware and incorporating test or shop-floor feedback into design updates.
Working knowledge of mechanical loads, structural fundamentals, fits, tolerances, and basic analysis methods.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
Ability to travel to vendors, test locations, and other Purple Rhombus facilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience productionizing prototypes or launching low-volume mechanical products.
Experience with electromechanical machinery, motor-driven mechanisms, or material-handling systems.
Experience with launch systems, UAS ground equipment, or aerospace support equipment.
Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and inspection planning.
Experience with structural FEA, fatigue, vibration, or mechanical test methods.
Experience designing assembly fixtures, manufacturing tooling, and serviceable field equipment.
Experience working with contract manufacturers, machine shops, and production technicians.
Competencies and Attributes
Hands-on, detail-oriented engineer with strong mechanical fundamentals and a practical approach to solving manufacturing problems. Able to work independently on defined technical tasks, communicate effectively across engineering and production teams, and take ownership of design quality, documentation, reliability, and production readiness.
Annual salary range: $115,000-$140,000 + equity
Travel: 15% per year.
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance