Senior Mechanical Engineer

About PykaPyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce C02 emissions in their respective industries.What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.Role OverviewPyka is looking for a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our cargo aircraft team. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design and integration of key aircraft components. Your work will span from detailed CAD design to structural analysis, prototyping, and testing — all while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams.ResponsibilitiesDesign mechanical components and assemblies with consideration for aircraft environments and performancePerform basic structural and stress analysis (hand calculations and FEA) to validate designsApply GD&T and appropriate tolerancing to ensure manufacturability and proper assemblyGenerate detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings (SolidWorks preferred)Support structural integration of components into composite and metallic airframe structuresDesign basic tooling and fixtures to support prototyping and testingLead hands-on prototyping, assembly, and testing of mechanical systemsCollaborate with aeromechanical, propulsion, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust requirement definition and collaboration across systemsContribute to design reviews and mentor junior engineers as neededQualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering5+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably in aerospace or high-performance vehicle environmentsStrong CAD skills (SolidWorks highly preferred), including modeling of complex assembliesSolid understanding of structural design principles and material propertiesExperience with basic stress analysis, both analytical (hand calcs) and FEA (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS)Practical knowledge of tolerancing, fits, and GD&TExperience with component integration into airframes or structural assembliesComfortable with hands-on prototyping, fabrication, and testingEffective communicator and team collaborator with a proactive, problem-solving mindsetPreferred QualificationsExperience working with composite materials and bonded structuresFamiliarity with aviation industry standards and certification practicesPrior experience designing for lightweight, high-strength applicationsExperience designing tooling or fixtures for small-scale production or testing environmentsCompany PerksEquityEmployer-sponsored health, dental and vision insuranceFSA with employer matching401(k)Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time offVoluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurancePre-tax commuter benefitsFree catered lunch and plenty of snacksExport Control RequirementsThis position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.--We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.