Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Propulsion Systems
About Manna
At Manna, we’re changing how the world receives things — by taking delivery to the skies.
Our mission is simple but ambitious: to make high-speed suburban delivery affordable, green, and safe. We design and build our own aviation-grade drones that deliver food, coffee, groceries, and more — directly from local stores and vendors to people’s doors in just a few minutes.
We’re a team that Drive with Impact, are Safety Focused, and knows that the best ideas come from Team Players who show up as their Authentic Selves. We move fast, we are passionate about what we do, and we’re always pushing a growth mindset to be better — in everything we do.
If you want to build world-changing technology with real-world impact (and have a bit of fun while doing it), you’ll love it here.
Welcome to Manna — where we deliver the future.
Role Purpose
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Propulsion & General at Manna, you will lead the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems for electric propulsion and structural subsystems across our drone platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to optimise performance, thermal management, and system reliability, ensuring designs are lightweight, manufacturable, and efficient. This senior role requires a deep understanding of propulsion mechanics, aerodynamics, vibration analysis, and testing — contributing directly to product innovation and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design and integration of electric propulsion systems, including motors, ESCs, and propellers.
Manage thermal design for propulsion components, including cooling of motors, batteries, and power electronics.
Perform aerodynamic and fluid simulations to optimise propeller performance, thrust output, and efficiency.
Design lightweight structures using advanced materials such as carbon fibre and composites with focus on vibration damping and structural stability.
Conduct system dynamics and vibration analysis to ensure rotor balancing, resonance avoidance, and fatigue resistance.
Integrate propulsion and energy systems, balancing efficiency, weight, and thermal trade-offs.
Plan and execute testing and validation programs — including thrust stands, endurance testing, thermal cycling, and vibration tests.
Work cross-functionally with electrical, controls, and avionics teams to ensure seamless propulsion system integration.
Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to ensure production readiness and scalability.
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the mechanical design team.
Skills & Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronic Engineering (or related field).
7+ years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on propulsion systems.
Strong understanding of electric propulsion integration, including motors, ESCs, and propellers.
Proficiency in CAD, FEA, and CFD tools for mechanical and aerodynamic analysis.
Experience with thermal management of motors, batteries, and power electronics.
Knowledge of lightweight materials (carbon fibre, composites) and structural optimisation methods.
Expertise in system dynamics, vibration analysis, and NVH design principles.
Experience designing and executing mechanical testing and validation programs.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.