Mechanisms Engineer

About PowerusPowerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.MissionOur mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.Why Join PowerusThe moving assemblies on an unmanned aircraft determine whether a mission works: gimbals, deployment and release mechanisms, latches, and landing gear. They fail through wear and duty cycle rather than single overloads.This role designs and qualifies every moving assembly on Powerus aircraft, from kinematic concept through prototype, life testing, and release to production at Rock Hill.Position OverviewPowerus is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer to design and qualify actuators, gimbals, deployment and release mechanisms, landing gear, latches, and hinges for Powerus unmanned platforms.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign mechanisms and moving assemblies, including actuation, gimbals, deployment and release devices, landing gear, latches, and hingesPerform kinematic and motion analysis covering range, clearance, and interferenceSelect bearings, gears, drives, springs, fasteners, and actuators against load, duty cycle, and environmentPerform tolerance stack-up analysis and define fits, datums, and GD&TDefine lubrication, sealing, corrosion protection, and contamination controlDefine motor, actuator, and sensor interfaces with electrical and controls engineersBuild prototypes and run life, duty-cycle, environmental, and abuse testingRelease drawings and technical data packages to manufacturingInvestigate mechanism failures and carry corrective designs to releaseQualificationsMust be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SCBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experienceExperience designing moving mechanical assemblies through build and testWorking knowledge of bearings, gears, drives, springs, and fastenersProficiency in tolerance stack-up analysis, fits, and GD&THands-on prototyping, assembly, and instrumented test experienceU.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical dataPreferred QualificationsMechanism experience on UAS, aerospace, robotics, or weight-constrained platformsExperience with electromechanical actuation, servos, or gimbal assembliesExperience with accelerated life testingKnowledge of lubrication, surface treatment, and material pairingExperience with vibration, shock, or environmental qualificationActive or prior U.S. security clearanceWhat We Look ForCandidates should have taken a mechanism through life testing and be able to describe the wear mode found and the design change that addressed it.Equal Opportunity StatementPowerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.