Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer – Drone Systems & Manufacturing Full time Position - Auburn Hills, Michigan Company Overview Swarm Defense Technologies is a defense-focused division of Firefly, developing advanced unmanned aerial systems for national security, testing, and emerging mission applications. While our current focus includes targets and training platforms, our long-term vision extends toward fully integrated, mission-capable drone systems designed for real-world operational environments. We believe great hardware is built—not just designed—and we proudly manufacture our systems in-house at our Auburn Hills facility. Our team moves fast, tests often, and values engineers who are as comfortable on the shop floor as they are in CAD. Job Summary We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and productionize drone components, airframes, and accessories. This role plays a critical part in shaping both current products and future platforms, with direct responsibility for taking designs from concept through manufacturing and flight testing. This is not a purely analytical role. You will be deeply involved in fabrication, assembly, iteration, and continuous improvement of real hardware that is built and flown in-house. Key Responsibilities:
Design mechanical components and assemblies for multirotor and fixed-wing drone platforms
Develop scalable mechanical designs for current training systems and future operational platforms
Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles across all designs
Create parts optimized for in-house manufacturing using CNC machining, 3D printing, and light fabrication
Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate designs based on manufacturing feedback and flight test results
Produce and maintain CAD models, drawings, tolerances, and basic manufacturing documentation
Work closely with manufacturing and operations teams to refine builds, reduce cycle time, and improve reliability
Support integration, assembly, and ground / flight testing at the Auburn Hills facility Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience
Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
Demonstrated experience designing parts for manufacturability and repeatable production
Hands-on experience with CNC-machined parts, 3D printing, and mechanical assemblies
Understanding of materials, tolerances, fasteners, and structural design
Ability to work quickly, iterate designs, and balance performance with manufacturability
Comfortable working directly with technicians, machinists, and cross-functional engineers Bonus Points:
Experience designing UAV airframes or aerospace components
Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or ruggedized systems
Experience with composites, carbon fiber, or lightweight structures
Exposure to low-volume production, rapid scaling, or pilot manufacturing lines
Interest in evolving designs from training platforms into operational systems Benefits:
Relocation Assistance: We offer financial support to help with your move, ensuring a smooth transition as you join our team.
Comprehensive Health Benefits: We cover 100% of health insurance premiums for our employees.
Retirement Plan: We offer a Simple IRA with employer contributions to help you plan for your future Swarm Defense Technologies is a build-first engineering environment. Designs are reviewed on the bench, not just in meetings. Engineers are expected to take ownership of their work from concept through flight and into production. Initiative is rewarded, and engineers are encouraged to shape both products and processes as the company grows.