Approach Venture

Overview

Join a recently funded seed-stage defense technology startup developing a new generation of low-cost interceptor systems for rapidly evolving airborne threats. As a Mechanical & Aerodynamics Engineer, you will take real ownership of major parts of the physical vehicle, including airframe structures, control surfaces, mechanisms, and packaging.

Responsibilities

• Design airframe structures, control surfaces, mechanisms, and subsystem packaging from concept through fabrication and flight.
• Run CFD and other aerodynamic analyses to understand vehicle performance and inform vehicle shape and control-surface sizing.
• Perform structural and dynamic analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, GD&T, and bills of materials.
• Design parts for machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, and other manufacturing processes with cost and simplicity in mind.
• Build fixtures, tooling, and assembly approaches that make production faster and more repeatable.
• Prototype and iterate quickly using in-house fabrication capabilities.
• Plan and run static, vibration, shock, and other qualification tests.
• Work with machine shops, fabricators, and suppliers on manufacturability, quality, cost, and lead time.
• Support vehicle assembly, integration, ground testing, and flight tests, including time in the field.
• Analyze flight and test data, compare results to models, and drive design improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 0-3 years of professional experience; recent graduates with strong hands-on project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing hardware through internships, research, or student teams.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals and proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Onshape, or similar).
• Working knowledge of aerodynamics and exposure to CFD or other aerodynamic analysis tools.
• Understanding of structural mechanics and exposure to FEA.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerancing, and production drawings.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal, composites, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis and data reduction.
• Curiosity, ownership, and a drive to learn quickly in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Ability to work on-site in Hawthorne, California.

Benefits

• Early-stage equity
• Performance-based bonuses for exceptional contributions
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• PTO

Additional Information

• On-site position in Hawthorne, California.