Rapid Prototyping Engineer – Drones & Unmanned Systems

Employer description

About Us:Havoc is a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy. Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems across sea, air, and land to sense, decide, and act together in complex and contested environments. Havoc connects assets, enabling them to share information, adapt in real time, and continue operating even when communications are disrupted or denied. Havoc optimizes mission performance and minimizes human risk.

Havoc was founded in 2024 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Learn more at Havoc: All-Domain Collaborative Autonomy .

About the RoleHavocAI is seeking a Senior Rapid Prototyping Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a Department of Defense (DoD) fieldable, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) platform.

This role is for an engineer who wants to spend significant time working directly with hardware. You will turn early concepts into functioning prototypes, integrate mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshoot vehicles, conduct tests, and make fast design changes based on what you learn.

Key ResponsibilitiesRapidly turn concepts and requirements into functional drone prototypes

Design and modify airframes, mechanisms, brackets, mounts, enclosures, payload interfaces, and vehicle components

Build and assemble prototype unmanned aircraft and subsystems

Integrate motors, propulsion systems, batteries, avionics, sensors, compute hardware, communications, equipment, and payloads

Create quick-turn CAD designs and engineering drawings

Use additive manufacturing, CNC machining, sheet metal, composites, and other fabrication methods to produce prototype parts

Perform hands-on fabrication, assembly, rework, and modification of prototype hardware

Develop test fixtures and experimental setups

Support bench testing, ground testing, environmental testing, and flight testing

Diagnose hardware and integration failures across mechanical and electromechanical systems

Rapidly redesign components based on test results

Required Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or equivalent practical engineering experience

3+ years developing physical hardware systems

Demonstrated experience building and testing drones, UAVs, robotics, aircraft, or autonomous systems

Strong mechanical CAD skills

Significant hands-on experience building electromechanical prototypes

Experience with multiple manufacturing and fabrication processes

Strong mechanical intuition and ability to troubleshoot real-world hardware problems

Comfortable using common shop tools and performing prototype assembly and modification

Preferred QualificationsPersonally designed, built, modified, or operated drones/UAVs

Experience with multirotor, VTOL, fixed-wing, or hybrid UAV platforms

Experience integrating electric propulsion systems

Experience with motors, ESCs, batteries, servos, flight controllers, radios, GPS, sensors, or avionics

RC aircraft, drone racing, experimental aircraft, robotics competition, or similar hands-on project experience

Why HavocAIAt HavocAI, you’ll help build autonomous systems that solve real-world challenges in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. You’ll work alongside exceptional engineers, move quickly, and see your work transition from prototype to production and ultimately into the hands of operators.

If you’re excited about solving difficult engineering problems, owning critical technical decisions, and helping shape the future of autonomous systems, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits:100% Employer paid Health Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)

Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

Equity Package

Work / Home Office Stipend

Global Entry

16 Week Paid Parental Leave

Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.