Responsibilities

• Design from scratch: Lead mechanical design of landing gear systems including shock absorption, actuation, retraction mechanisms, and structural interfaces
• Analysis and validation: Perform stress analysis, fatigue calculations, kinematics modeling, and validate designs through simulation and testing
• Material selection and manufacturing: Select materials and manufacturing processes optimized for weight, strength, and cost; work with vendors and internal production teams
• Testing and iteration: Develop test plans, oversee ground and flight testing, analyze results, and iterate rapidly based on data
• Integration: Collaborate with adjacent engineering teams (structures, electrical, flight controls) to ensure seamless system integration
• Documentation: Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical reports to support certification and production

Required

• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, automotive, or related high-performance systems
• Direct experience designing landing gear, suspension systems, or similar mechanical systems with shock absorption and actuation
• Expert-level skills in SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX
• Strong background in FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.), structural analysis, and mechanical system modeling
• Understanding of machining, composites, additive manufacturing, and DFM principles
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, make sound engineering trade-offs, and move quickly
• Comfortable working in a lab/shop environment, building prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware

Preferred

• Experience with retractable landing gear systems
• Background in aerospace structures or aircraft systems integration
• Familiarity with FAA/MIL-SPEC certification requirements
• Experience with composite materials and lightweighting strategies
• Prior work at aerospace startups or fast-paced development programs
• Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for automation and analysis

What We Offer

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and Paid Sick Time
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Daily catered lunch to office
• Paid Parental leave
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

Compensation Range

• $150,000 - $190,000 + Equity

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.