Mechanical Product Designer
Kawak Aviation Technologies Inc., Bend, OR, United States
Kawak Aviation is seeking a Mechanical Product Designer to drive product development for next-generation aerial firefighting systems and aircraft-integrated equipment.
You will work across a range of systems including firefighting tanks and buckets, external load systems, hydraulic power units, and aircraft interface structures, playing a key role in shaping the next generation of Kawak products.
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role for someone who thrives in fast‑paced design environments, enjoys solving real‑world problems, and wants to see their concepts evolve into mission‑critical aviation products.
Key Responsibilities
Develop mechanical concepts for aircraft-integrated systems
Create and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks
Rapidly iterate multiple product designs for comparison:
Packaging and integration
Structural layout
System architecture
Usability and serviceability
Design across a range of mechanical systems, including:
Sheet metal and machined part assemblies (mounting systems, tanks, brackets, airframe interfaces)
Composite components (fairings, enclosures, structural elements)
Hydraulic systems (power units, actuation, fluid routing, control components)
Mechanical assemblies with appropriate fastening and interfaces
Translate high‑level requirements into practical, buildable design solutions
Collaborate closely with engineering to:
Refine and mature selected concepts
Transition designs into manufacturable and certifiable products
Support prototype development, testing, and design refinement
Ensure designs are aligned with real‑world operational demands, including harsh firefighting environments
What This Role Is (and Is Not) This role IS:
Concept‑driven and iterative
Focused on speed, clarity, and physical problem‑solving
A critical bridge between idea and engineered product
Highly collaborative with engineering, production, and quality
This role IS NOT:
Primarily analysis‑driven (not FEA‑heavy)
Responsible for critical structural design
A drafting‑only position
Required Qualifications
3–8+ years of experience in mechanical design, drafting and production documentation
Strong proficiency in
SolidWorks
required, Inventor a plus (due to legacy design)
Proven ability to design mechanical assemblies and integrated systems
Experience working with:
Sheet metal design
Machined component design
Mechanical fastening and interfaces
Basic hydraulic or fluid systems
Graphical design (labels, placards, screen printing) a plus
Strong spatial reasoning and 3D thinking ability
Ability to move quickly from idea → concept → iteration
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in aerospace, aviation, or heavy equipment systems
Familiarity with composite structures and fabrication methods
Hands‑on experience
building, testing, or prototyping mechanical systems
Understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM)
Exposure to certification‑driven environments (FAA/STC or similar)
What Success Looks Like
Rapid development of high‑quality, well‑thought‑out design concepts
Clear product direction established early in development
Strong collaboration with engineering to transition concepts into production
Designs that balance innovation, simplicity, and real‑world reliability
Meaningful contributions to Kawak’s next generation of aerial firefighting systems
Why Kawak Kawak Aviation is focused on becoming the trusted partner behind the world’s most critical aerial firefighting missions.
We design and deliver equipment that crews rely on when the stakes are highest. Our products are built to perform in demanding environments and are trusted by operators across the world.
This role offers the opportunity to directly shape the future of aerial firefighting systems and contribute to products that have a real impact on protecting lives, property, and communities.
Benefits
Competitive compensation based on experience and capability.
Medical and dental 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
You will work across a range of systems including firefighting tanks and buckets, external load systems, hydraulic power units, and aircraft interface structures, playing a key role in shaping the next generation of Kawak products.
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role for someone who thrives in fast‑paced design environments, enjoys solving real‑world problems, and wants to see their concepts evolve into mission‑critical aviation products.
Key Responsibilities
Develop mechanical concepts for aircraft-integrated systems
Create and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks
Rapidly iterate multiple product designs for comparison:
Packaging and integration
Structural layout
System architecture
Usability and serviceability
Design across a range of mechanical systems, including:
Sheet metal and machined part assemblies (mounting systems, tanks, brackets, airframe interfaces)
Composite components (fairings, enclosures, structural elements)
Hydraulic systems (power units, actuation, fluid routing, control components)
Mechanical assemblies with appropriate fastening and interfaces
Translate high‑level requirements into practical, buildable design solutions
Collaborate closely with engineering to:
Refine and mature selected concepts
Transition designs into manufacturable and certifiable products
Support prototype development, testing, and design refinement
Ensure designs are aligned with real‑world operational demands, including harsh firefighting environments
What This Role Is (and Is Not) This role IS:
Concept‑driven and iterative
Focused on speed, clarity, and physical problem‑solving
A critical bridge between idea and engineered product
Highly collaborative with engineering, production, and quality
This role IS NOT:
Primarily analysis‑driven (not FEA‑heavy)
Responsible for critical structural design
A drafting‑only position
Required Qualifications
3–8+ years of experience in mechanical design, drafting and production documentation
Strong proficiency in
SolidWorks
required, Inventor a plus (due to legacy design)
Proven ability to design mechanical assemblies and integrated systems
Experience working with:
Sheet metal design
Machined component design
Mechanical fastening and interfaces
Basic hydraulic or fluid systems
Graphical design (labels, placards, screen printing) a plus
Strong spatial reasoning and 3D thinking ability
Ability to move quickly from idea → concept → iteration
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in aerospace, aviation, or heavy equipment systems
Familiarity with composite structures and fabrication methods
Hands‑on experience
building, testing, or prototyping mechanical systems
Understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM)
Exposure to certification‑driven environments (FAA/STC or similar)
What Success Looks Like
Rapid development of high‑quality, well‑thought‑out design concepts
Clear product direction established early in development
Strong collaboration with engineering to transition concepts into production
Designs that balance innovation, simplicity, and real‑world reliability
Meaningful contributions to Kawak’s next generation of aerial firefighting systems
Why Kawak Kawak Aviation is focused on becoming the trusted partner behind the world’s most critical aerial firefighting missions.
We design and deliver equipment that crews rely on when the stakes are highest. Our products are built to perform in demanding environments and are trusted by operators across the world.
This role offers the opportunity to directly shape the future of aerial firefighting systems and contribute to products that have a real impact on protecting lives, property, and communities.
Benefits
Competitive compensation based on experience and capability.
Medical and dental 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr