AI Hiring Index

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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