Overview
Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Orange County, CA at Strativ Group
Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Company: Strativ Group
Location: Orange County, CA
Structures Design Engineer (Composites)
A fast-moving aerospace startup is building next-generation swarming UAV systems – pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight, distributed systems, and aircraft design. They’re looking for a Structures Design Engineer to help design and deliver high-performance flight vehicles from concept to production.
This is a rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge aircraft in a highly agile environment alongside a team with deep experience across advanced aerospace programs.
What you’ll do:
• Lead end-to-end design of composite aircraft structures (concept → release)
• Develop CAD models and detailed part definitions using modern design standards (GD&T)
• Perform structural sizing, feasibility studies, and trade-offs (weight, cost, performance)
• Own design reviews, manufacturability (DFM), and supplier collaboration
• Support rapid prototyping and production with a strong focus on real-world buildability
• Define and improve internal design standards, tools, and workflows
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, systems, and program teams
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership
What we’re looking for:
• 5+ years of experience in composite structures (aircraft, spacecraft, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of composite materials, laminate design, and structural analysis
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, bonding, and real-world build processes
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Siemens NX, Fibersim, or equivalent)
• Experience taking structures from concept through production
• Solid understanding of aerospace standards and certification environments
Nice to have:
• Experience in fast-paced, startup or rapid development programs
• Background in UAVs or novel aircraft configurations
• Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter)
• Strong communication and leadership skills
Why this role stands out:
You’ll be directly shaping the future of autonomous air systems – designing aircraft built for scale, speed, and entirely new operational concepts.
