Mechanical / Robotics Engineer for Drone Payload Prototype (Teaching-Oriented, MVP)

Job type: Short-term contract with potential extension Location: Remote OK, preference for Southern Utah (St. George / Cedar City / Vegas area) Overview I’m building an early-stage hardware MVP for a lightweight, high-speed rotating (nutating / wobble-plate style) RGB + thermal camera payload designed for use on drones. The initial application is Search & Rescue, with broader mapping and inspection use cases in mind over time. I’m looking for a mechanical / robotics / mechatronics engineer to help design and prototype the first functional version of the mechanism and teach me how it works. This is not a “black-box delivery” project. I’m looking for a collaborative, transparent build process with an emphasis on shared understanding and practical iteration. ________________________________________ What we’re building (high level) •A compact, lightweight mechanism that sweeps an RGB + thermal camera payload through controlled motion (nutation / wobble) • Programmed to capture both RGB and thermal images at defined intervals during motion • Built specifically to enable rapid creation of 3D thermal maps from aerial data; how far we get with this goal in mind is TBD. • Built for UAV payload constraints: weight, vibration, simplicity, and power efficiency • (Likely) driven by a stepper motor + driver (exact components to be selected together) • MVP focus: proof-of-concept, functionality, learning, data collection ________________________________________ How I want to work • You help design the mechanism and select components • You do the early research and heavy lifting on design decisions, especially in the initial phase, and present your recommendations to me for sign-off with clear explanations of tradeoffs and rationale • You produce CAD / sketches and a clear BOM • I purchase the parts • We plan for 2–3+ active working sessions per week, where we work alongside each other (live video sessions are fine) • Preference for in-person collaboration if you’re near Southern Utah, but remote is absolutely OK for the right candidate • I assemble the prototype with your guidance during working sessions • You explain the why behind design decisions, failure modes, and tuning • After the first build and testing, you help me take ownership of iteration, and for the right candidate, continue supporting the project in a consultative role ________________________________________ Scope (flexible, phased) Phase 1 – Design & Planning • Concept sketches and/or CAD • Rationale for chosen design vs alternatives • BOM and assembly order Phase 2 – Guided Assembly • Live video walkthroughs while I assemble the prototype • Real-time feedback and corrections • Explanation of tolerances and common pitfalls Phase 3 – Review & Iteration • Review of first test results • Suggestions for improvements and simplifications • Guidance on next-iteration directions ________________________________________ What I’m looking for (ideally) • Hands-on experience with: o Robotics / mechatronics o Motion mechanisms, gimbals, or precision assemblies o Drones or lightweight electromechanical systems (strong plus) o Experience working with thermal imaging data, RGB + thermal sensors, or drone-based mapping / orthomosaic workflows (strong plus) • Comfortable explaining design decisions • Practical, MVP-oriented mindset • Bonus if you’re located in or near Southern Utah, as in-person collaboration could be useful ________________________________________ Logistics • Start with a short, paid discovery sprint • Likely hourly to start, eventually may be milestone-based • All designs, CAD, documentation, and work product are my property • Potential for ongoing collaboration if it’s a good fit ________________________________________ To apply, please include: • A brief description of relevant projects you’ve worked on • Links or images of physical builds or mechanisms (if available) • A sentence or two on how you’d approach this type of mechanism at a high level Thanks — looking forward to connecting with the right builder. Apply tot his job