Solutions Engineer, Advanced Mission Group

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Solutions Engineer to lead the design, prototyping, and integration of advanced unmanned systems (UAS) hardware and electronics. This senior technical role bridges mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering, combining design expertise with hands‑on prototyping and integration to deliver field-ready, mission‑critical solutions for defense and commercial customers.

The Solutions Engineer will leverage experience in CAD and Solid Works, electrical system design, and UAS integration to develop innovative, high-reliability electro‑mechanical architectures that meet aerospace and defense‑grade standards.

This position requires a self‑starter capable of working independently while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and customer‑facing teams. The role will also actively participate in discovery calls with the GTM team to define customer requirements and ensure technical alignment.

• Lead design and prototyping of UAS components, including airframes, payload mounts, power distribution systems, wiring harnesses, and embedded subsystems.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and electrical schematics using Solid Works, Altium, or comparable design tools.
• Integrate mechanical and electrical subsystems to ensure performance, reliability, and maintainability across product life cycles.
• Collaborate with avionics, firmware, and systems engineers to ensure seamless mechanical‑electrical interface compatibility.
• Manage the full lifecycle of prototype development from requirements definition to build, test, and validation.
• Conduct system‑level testing for structural integrity, power management, EMI/EMC compliance, and flight readiness.
• Apply MIL-STD and aerospace best practices (MIL-STD-810, DO-160) for environmental and qualification testing.
• Participate in discovery calls with GTM and Account Executives (AEs) to translate customer mission requirements into actionable technical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Solutions Engineers and Junior SEs in electro‑mechanical design, prototyping, and integration.
• Support on‑site prototype builds and field deployments, troubleshooting both mechanical and electrical subsystems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and QA teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) standards.
• Ensure all designs and deliverables comply with ITAR, DoD, and export control requirements.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in aerospace materials, aerodynamics, and robotics to drive continuous improvement in AMG projects.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Able to Pass FAA Class 2 Medical
• BS, M. Eng, or MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with 10+ years of experience in system design, prototyping, and integration for aerospace, defense, or unmanned systems.
• Proficiency in CAD (Solid Works, CATIA, or Creo) and electrical design tools (Altium Designer, OrCAD).
• Demonstrated experience designing and integrating UAS mechanical and electrical subsystems (wiring harnesses, PCBs, payload systems).
• Proven ability to manage power distribution, thermal management, and EMI shielding challenges.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and bench‑level system testing.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50% total, combining customer visits and DF01 Huntsville engagements.
• The ability to obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.

• Experience with FEA, CFD, and thermal analysis tools (Solid Works Simulation, ANSYS).
• Knowledge of avionics integration, sensor systems, and embedded electronics.
• Familiarity with composite materials, UAV structural design, and modular payload integration.

The physical demands described here are…