Job Description

Lighthouse Avionics is a fast-paced startup building cutting-edge airspace monitoring systems for the Department of Defense and First Responders. Our flagship products—VICTOR V2 and VICTOR MINI—are redefining how public safety agencies and defense units monitor and secure low-altitude airspace. We are a small, driven team solving complex, high-impact problems in real-world deployments across the U.S. We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer who is ready to take ownership of mechanical system design and production, bringing products from prototype to scalable, manufacturable solutions. This is a high-responsibility role with a clear path to influence the company’s trajectory and product evolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and manufacturing of the VICTOR V2 and VICTOR MINI systems.
• Own CAD design using SolidWorks (or equivalent), including 3D modeling, DFM, and component layout.
• Generate CAM toolpaths and manufacturing documentation for CNC machining and other processes.
• Design parts for manufacturability using a variety of methods, including:

-3D printing (FDM/SLA)

-CNC machining

-Sheet metal fabrication

-Injection molding (low and mid-volume)

• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams (software, electrical, optical) to integrate mechanical designs into fully functional platforms.
• Assist with mechanical design and prototyping of new concepts and field hardware.
• Iterate rapidly based on field performance and user feedback.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and resolve design or manufacturing roadblocks.
• Ensure mechanical systems meet environmental, thermal, and mechanical durability standards.
• Help shape best practices for design validation, quality assurance, and manufacturing

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Familiarity with CAM software and CNC machining processes.
• Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: 3D printing, injection molding, machining, sheet metal fabrication.
• Strong understanding of mechanical tolerancing, assembly practices, and DFM principles.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency (required by federal contracts).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of experience in mechanical design for production hardware (startup or fast-paced R&D experience a plus).
• Prior ownership of complete mechanical design projects from concept to production.
• Comfort with rapid iteration cycles and field validation testing.
• Experience building rugged, outdoor-capable enclosures or sensing systems.
• Familiarity with integration of electronics and optics into mechanical assemblies.

What We’re Looking For

We’re not just hiring an engineer, we’re looking for a builder, a problem solver, and a teammate who thrives in high-pressure environments and wants to grow with the company. You should be:

• Hardworking and relentless, with a bias for action and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring your work meets the demands of defense and public safety environments.
• Team-first, always prioritizing what moves the mission forward—even if it’s outside your immediate scope.
• Excited by the idea of building and scaling a hardware product that’s already seeing real-world success.

Why Join Us?

• Shape the mechanical DNA of a growing company from the ground up.
• Work on systems used in real deployments that protect lives and critical infrastructure.
• Be part of a nimble, focused team with high standards and high rewards.
• Equity participation and rapid growth potential in a startup with strong early traction.

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