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Imaging Payload Design
Mechanical Engineer
Position Description:
The Overwatch Imaging Payload Design Mechanical Engineer will design, prototype, test and produce mechanical and electro-optical imaging system assemblies to collect stabilized multi-camera imagery from high-performance aircraft.
Company Description:
Overwatch Imaging is changing the way airborne image-based intelligence is created. Rooted in the airborne intelligence and drone technology cluster of Hood River, Oregon, Overwatch Imaging is revolutionizing human understanding of the world through computer vision-optimized sensing. Overwatch Imaging makes customized imaging payloads designed for mission-critical, automated remote sensing roles. Our products allow tactical UAS and general aviation aircraft to automatically detect small targets, collect precision survey maps, conduct autonomous search, and provide real-time image-based intelligence to users. Overwatch Imaging payloads feature autonomously gimballed cameras combined with onboard image processing and AI software, which we leverage to reduce operator workload, accelerate data processing workflows, and identify hard-to-find small signals from large datasets.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
The ideal candidate will be strong in many of the following areas:
Mechanical Payload Design: Uses SolidWorks and hands-on experiments to develop multi-camera mounting, stabilization, signal routing, environmental management and aircraft integration solutions for airborne imaging payloads with size, weight, power, cost, and schedule constraints. Contributes with variable levels of fidelity to feasibility studies, new product development, and low-rate production optimization.
Imaging Payload Rapid Prototyping: Builds, procures and tests components to quickly assess design feasibility and performance characteristics of novel imaging systems.
Camera Operation and Selection: Supports high-level imaging system conceptual design, operates cameras fluently and understands image quality considerations.
Component Sourcing and Supply Optimization: Identifies new commercial off-the-shelf components and new manufacturing techniques to drive innovation and reduce system cost. Ready to build assemblies by hand or oversee outsourced build contracts.
Experience and Education:
Formal education in mechanical engineering, electronic systems, optics, or related fields.
Experience in aerospace and defense, particularly with mid-sized unmanned aircraft and/or airborne camera systems.
Experience with electro-optical remote sensing systems, camera stabilization, visible and infrared camera operation.
Familiarity with mechanical part manufacturing techniques and rapid prototyping methods.
Bachelor’s degree required
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Technical Competence:
SolidWorks CAD Software
Structural and Electromechanical Design for Gimballed Optical Systems
Visible and Infrared Camera Selection, Operation and StabilizationÂ
Aircraft Payload Integration, Motion Control and Vibration Mitigation
Prototype and LRIP Product Realization
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Character Attributes:
Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced small business work environment
Collaborates well in a small team and with customers
Ready to accept new challenges o Enjoys hands-on work
Takes pride in seeing work product reach the field
Location:
This position is based in Hood River, Oregon, and requires occasional business travel and work in and around light aircraft. All applicants must be authorized to work on a permanent basis in the United States.
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