Helsing · Engineering · Senior · Posted 2026-06-11
Senior Design Engineer
Helsing · Washington, DC
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Who we are
Helsing develops artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities to protect and defend democracies. We are growing our US operations, cultivating an ambitio u s and committed team of mission-driven professionals to apply their skills to solve challenging problems.
The role
As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You will design the mechanical and electrical architecture for various unmanned and autonomous systems, ensuring their design, implementation, and testing meets the needs of the end-user. You will work in close collaboration with systems engineers, embedded systems engineers, production teams, and customer-facing program managers.
Your role will be crucial in guiding the team's choices and ensuring the consistency of technical decisions. You will conceptualize innovative hardware configurations, conduct comprehensive trade studies, and create solutions optimized for both manufacturing efficiency and field assembly. Your expertise will be vital in realizing robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that enhance the performance of Helsing's UAV systems, directly supporting our mission to provide advanced defense capabilities.
The day-to-day
Modify and adapt existing UAV platform mechanical and electrical designs and interfaces to meet US customer needs, specifications, and regulatory requirements
Own subsystems design and participate in the overall development of platform architecture, ensuring consistency in decision-making meetings
Conceptualize and design UAV and supporting system hardware configurations through comprehensive trade studies and analytical assessments
Develop modular solutions using WOSA (Weapons Open Systems Architecture) standards to ensure interoperability and upgradability
Create electronic architectures and mechanical design concepts, specification design, and select appropriate components
Produce 3D and 2D documentation using SolidWorks or similar CAD/PLM tools, ensuring proper form, fit, and function of components by using analytical and simulation tools
Integrate COTS/GOTS equipment to meet high-level system objectives while managing size, weight, power, and cost constraints
Apply latest design and drawing standards , including ASME/ISO standards, GD&T, and strong consideration for manufacturing aspects
Design for manufacturing (DFM) and end-user field assembly, developing robust, scalable, and cost-effective components
Define and perform validation tests for technical maturation with general electronics and electrical troubleshooting, and mechanical testing
Create comprehensive design documentation in accordance with company guidelines and quality standards
You should apply if you
Have several years of experience in mechanical and/or electrical design for UAV platforms, aerospace systems, or similar demanding applications
Hold a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
Possess outstanding hands-on experience with 3D/2D CAD and PLM tools (preferably SolidWorks/PDM or similar platforms)
Have strong knowledge of modular design principles and experience with WOSA or similar open systems architecture standards
Demonstrate proven experience integrating COTS/GOTS equipment into complex systems
Possess knowledge of electronic component integration , preferably using ECAD/MCAD interfaces for component realization
Are keen on fast-track developments and realizations and are able to work independently, owning a project from concept to validation
Enjoy working in a highly flexible environment
Note: We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarized in a few bu …
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This listing is reproduced from Helsing's public careers feed and links to the original. AI Hiring Index is not the employer and does not accept applications. All Helsing roles · AI salaries.