Senior Mechanical Engineer in Bend

Job DescriptionJob Description

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR)

Pay Range: $110,000-130,000

Build products that fight wildfires, solve real-world problems, and make a direct impact with a passionate small-team culture.

We design and deliver aircraft-integrated utility systems used in live aerial firefighting operations.

These aren’t long-cycle, theoretical programs.

Kawak aerial firefighting solutions go from concept → certification → aircraft → field operation in tight cycles, and they’re relied on in high-risk environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

We’re a small, high-performing team, and we’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who wants real ownership and real impact.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and own design of aircraft-integrated utility systems from concept through certification and production
• Develop real hardware: systems, structures, tanks, hydraulics, composite components
• Work directly with production, quality, and program leadership
• Primary customer interface for assigned programs
• Drive engineering and design within FAA/STC certification environments
• Support testing, validation, and real-world performance

You won’t be one layer removed from the product.

You’ll be responsible for it.

What Makes This Role Different

• Your designs go onto aircraft and into operation
• Fast iteration compared to traditional aerospace programs
• High ownership. Low bureaucracy
• Direct impact on product direction and performance
• Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years hands on mechanical engineering/design experience
• Prior aviation, aerospace, or defense industry background strongly valued
• Strong CAD (SolidWorks) and design fundamentals
• Deep multi-discipline expertise (structural, hydraulic, mechanisms, electronics)
• Ability to take products from concept through production
• Mentors Level 1 and Level 2 engineers

Location

Bend, Oregon - Relocation support available for the right candidate

Interested?

If you’re looking for a role where your work moves quickly, matters in the field, and you can take true ownership of what you build, we should talk.

Apply here or reach out directly.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience ($100-120k starting).
• Medical, dental, vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.

Company DescriptionKawak Aviation Technologies is a fast-moving utility aviation company focused on designing and manufacturing mission-critical aerial firefighting and aviation systems trusted by operators around the world. Based in Bend, Oregon, our team develops innovative products that support demanding real-world operations where reliability, speed, and performance matter most. From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in building solutions that “just plain work” when the stakes are highest. We are looking for driven, hands-on people who thrive in a collaborative small-business environment, take ownership of their work, and want to help shape the future of aerial firefighting and utility aviation.Company DescriptionKawak Aviation Technologies is a fast-moving utility aviation company focused on designing and manufacturing mission-critical aerial firefighting and aviation systems trusted by operators around the world. Based in Bend, Oregon, our team develops innovative products that support demanding real-world operations where reliability, speed, and performance matter most. From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in building solutions that “just plain work” when the stakes are highest. We are looking for driven, hands-on people who thrive in a collaborative small-business environment, take ownership of their work, and want to help shape the future of aerial firefighting and utility aviation.