Mechanical Engineer in Lenexa, Kansas at GuideTech LLC

Location: Lenexa, Kansas (onsite)

GuideTech is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer who can also lead complex engineering projects from design through integration, testing, and flight verification. You'll work on unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems, solving mechanical and system-level challenges while coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, priorities, and deliverables.

This role combines mechanical engineering with technical project leadership. You'll work across mechanical, avionics, embedded software, GNC, and other engineering disciplines to turn designs into integrated, tested systems.

GuideTech is a subsidiary of Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services. Learn more at https://guide.tech/.

What You'll Do

• Perform Design Related tasks including Component and system level design using CAD programs as well as system and component level analysis as required.
• Help guide less experienced engineers and coordinate build activities by planning and scheduling.
• Lead engineering projects from design through hardware integration, validation, and flight testing.
• Evaluate mechanical designs, component fit, and hardware interfaces to resolve design and integration challenges.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, technical schedules, priorities, and deliverables.
• Identify technical risks, evaluate engineering tradeoffs, and drive solutions to mechanical and system-level challenges.
• Lead technical design reviews and coordinate hardware/software integration, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Implement mechanical design improvements based on integration results, testing, and engineering evaluations.
• Plan and coordinate flight testing, analyze results, and drive corrective actions and system improvements.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• You're a hands-on engineer who enjoys both technical problem-solving and leading projects.
• You understand how mechanical hardware, electronics, and software work together.
• You anticipate challenges, communicate clearly, and keep engineering teams aligned and moving forward.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with complex physical engineering systems.
• Hands-on mechanical engineering experience with components, assemblies, or hardware integration.
• Experience with component design using CAD programs (Autodesk Fusion, Solidworks, CATIA or similar) and ability to perform system level analyses to ensure designed hardware will meet the mission requirements.
• Experience with tolerance stackups, materials selection, manufacturing considerations and basic strength and thermal calculations to aid in the design process.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering activities, schedules, and technical deliverables.
• Experience with physical hardware, system integration, or hardware/software interfaces.
• Strong technical problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAVs, launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or similar aerospace systems.
• Proven expertise in component and system level design with specific CAD experience with Solidworks, Autodesk Fusion, CATIA or similar.
• Design-focused engineer with analytical depth - Uses first-principles engineering (structural, aerodynamic, thermal, and power) to solve technical problems and guide system-level design and architecture.
• Experience with flight testing, verification and validation, telemetry analysis, or anomaly resolution.

Location & Work Setting

On-site in Lenexa, Kansas, within the Kansas City metropolitan area. Relocation assistance may be provided.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Work Authorization & Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Company does may not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Fine Print

No third-party candidates will be accepted. GuideTech is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.