Mechanical Engineer

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

The Engineering team at Rainmaker works on our UAS, dispersion payload, and in-situ/remote sensing systems. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast-paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in our operational system, this is a fantastic opportunity.

This role reports to the Lead, Mechanical Engineering and will support mission-critical subsystems for our UAS platform, working closely with senior engineers to grow your skills in a hands-on, fast-paced hardware environment.

What You'll Do

• Project support & ownership: Own smaller parts and subsystems from concept to production, with guidance and review from senior engineers.
• Rapid hardware prototyping: Design and build functional prototypes for UAS subsystems, iterating quickly based on flight test feedback and mission requirements.
• Test fixture design: Help conceptualize, design, build, and run test fixtures for prototype components.
• FEA: Define loading and boundary conditions, set up FEA studies, run and validate results under senior engineer guidance.
• Documentation: Write technical documentation and help prepare fabrication and assembly data for manufacturers.

Required Qualifications

• 2–5 years of mechanical engineering experience (internships, co-ops, and capstone/project work count) with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field — or equivalent practical experience in lieu of a degree
• Competence in parametric CAD (SolidWorks required)
• Exposure to FEA (coursework, internship, or project-level experience with linear static, linear dynamic, nonlinear dynamic, or thermal analysis)
• Experience with additive manufacturing (FDM, SLA, MJF) for prototyping
• Sheet metal design and manufacturing experience
• Demonstrated ownership of mechanical engineering projects (school, internship, or professional)
• Eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on hardware environment; comfortable receiving close mentorship while building toward more autonomous ownership

About Rainmaker

Rainmaker uses drone-based cloud seeding to increase rainfall, restore ecosystems, and fight drought. Learn how our scalable weather technology brings water to the west.