---
title: 'Principal Mechanical Engineer, Drones at BRINC'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/principal-mechanical-engineer-drones-brinc-seattle-zfep4ev4aekg'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-06'
---

# Principal Mechanical Engineer, Drones at BRINC

- **Company:** BRINC
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Compensation:** $150k–$245k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-06-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/brinc/b66bbf52-ec79-45b0-96cf-9e4e8dc175e6/application

**Skills:** Kinematics, Dynamics, Control systems, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Test (DFT), Statistical tolerance analysis, Dimensioning, GD&T, 3D CAD modeling, Material properties, Stamping, Machining, 3D printing, Injection molding, Aerospace design, Robotics design, Automotive design, Consumer Electronics design, Packaging for electronics

> Lead the conceptualization, design, prototyping, and testing of precision actuators and gimbals for drone applications. Own the full hardware development lifecycle from specification to manufacturing, ensuring reliability in safety-critical environments.

## Job description

## ABOUT BRINC:

At BRINC, we are building the technology that will define the future of emergency response. As a vertically integrated U.S. drone technology company, BRINC designs and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous drone stations, command-and-control software, and advanced autonomy for public safety. Today, BRINC deploys Drone as First Responder (DFR) networks that dispatch drones directly to 911 calls, providing real-time aerial intelligence before ground units arrive and helping first responders make faster, safer decisions. BRINC serves more than 1,000 public safety customers across all 50 states, is the sole drone supplier to Motorola Solutions, and has raised more than $280 million from leading strategic and technology investors, including Motorola Solutions, Index Ventures, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, and others. BRINC is recruiting exceptional engineers to build the next generation of autonomous emergency-response technology, including flight-critical firmware and advanced pilot-assistance capabilities.

## ABOUT THIS ROLE:

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the end-to-end development of our drones and related electro-mechanical systems. At BRINC, we own the full lifecycle development of our products, from initial concept through to final validation, ensuring reliability and performance in safety critical drone operations. Principal Engineers are as comfortable setting standards for good mechanical design practices, working on new system architectures, mentoring junior members, as they are running an FEA analysis, owning the detailed design of the parts in a complex mechanism or building a working prototype.

At BRINC, Principal-level engineers stay deeply hands-on. They tackle our hardest problems with direct design ownership. The candidate should have demonstrated fluency in plastic and metal parts design, electronics packaging, kinematics, dynamics, and control systems. They ideally have experience with precision actuators, gimbals and related mechanical systems for drone applications. Someone with a track record of personally shipping lightweight, high-performance mechanisms for demanding environments, and the technical range to move fluidly between hands-on execution and setting direction for others.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Own end-to-end design of critical electro-mechanical systems, personally producing detailed design work (CAD, drawings, analysis) - from specification and design through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing handoff
- Set technical standards and best engineering practices (CAD, DFM, DFA, DFT, GD&T, drawing standards, etc.) for the engineering team
- Actively develop junior and mid-level engineers
- Make sound engineering decisions with ambiguous or incomplete information
- Collaborate effectively with electrical, software, perception, controls and manufacturing partners, modeling strong cross-functional communication
- Influence technical direction across teams and build alignment without direct authority. Clearly communicate design decisions and technical tradeoffs to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Partner with Industrial Design to ensure final products meet design intent without compromising manufacturability or reliability

## QUALIFICATIONS:

- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics (or similar field)
- 10+ years of experience in the design of complex electro-mechanical systems from concept to production
- Strong hands-on experience with the ability to craft proof-of-concept prototypes
- Expertise in precision mechanisms such as linkages, gears, cams, actuators including motion control, load analysis, and kinematic design.
- Demonstrated knowledge of common manufacturing methods: injection molding, casting, stamping, machining, 3D printing, etc.
- Experience and passion for mentoring other engineers through hands-on collaboration.
- Experience operating in a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration and safety-critical rigor matter.
- Strong command of DFM, DFA and DFT principles, and when to appropriately apply them in a fast iteration environment
- Experience with statistical tolerance analysis, dimensioning and GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5
- Proficiency with industry-standard 3D CAD tools and PDM/PLM
- Working knowledge of material properties across plastics, metals, adhesives, and glass.
- Ability to effectively communicate concepts and proposals through design reviews and presentations to leadership, both technical and non-technical

## PREFERRED SKILLS

- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
- 10+ years of experience designing mechanical solutions for Aerospace, Robotics, Consumer Electronics or related industries
- Experience designing mechanical solutions for UAV/UAS used in commercial, industrial, or defense applications
- Demonstrated technical expertise core engineering disciplines
- Experience working with domestic and international supply chain partners
- Experience with packaging for electronics in constrained spaces, and designing for high-stress, shock & vibe environments
- Experience with failure analysis and FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Strong knowledge of motor types and their appropriate applications (DC, stepper, brushless, servo) and motor drive systems, including speed controllers and feedback mechanisms. Experience in motor selection, control (PWM, PID), and integration for high-performance, precision applications
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently and in a small team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

## BRINC CULTURE VALUES:

- Try the hard stuff
- Be innovative - Invent the future
- Move fast
- Listen to end-users
- Strive for excellence
- Don’t build a dystopia
- Be frugal
- Save lives through technology

If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!

BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.

Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work

- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
- 401K plan
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
- Flexible work environment
- Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
- Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

## About BRINC

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: BRINC develops end-to-end drone hardware, software, and services built exclusively for public safety, helping first responders de-escalate dangerous situations and save lives.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed; has raised over $217M in total funding)
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, United States
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Blake Resnick

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Drone technology, public safety technology, aerospace and defense, robotics
- **Target customers**: Public safety agencies — police, fire, and emergency response departments across the U.S. and globally (B2G/B2B)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To revolutionize public safety by leveraging technology to de-escalate dangerous situations — deploying drones to get eyes and ears in harm’s way without risking lives.

## Products & Services
BRINC offers a connected ecosystem of hardware, software, and services built exclusively for public safety:

- **LEMUR 2 (Indoor Tactical Drone)**: A small, rugged drone designed for indoor operations with features like a glass breaker, 2-way comms (acts as a "flying cell phone"), 4K day/night/thermal camera, and 42-minute flight time. Used for tactical response and building clearing.
- **Guardian (Mid-Sized Outdoor Drone)**: A larger outdoor drone built for Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programs. Features 640x visual zoom, 64x HD thermal zoom, 40x optical zoom, 62-minute flight time, 60 mph top speed, satellite connectivity, and robotic battery/payload swapping.
- **Responder Station**: A docking/charging station for drones that enables remote operations and teleoperations. Supports robotic battery and payload swapping.
- **Two-Way Comms (Handheld Device)**: A Verizon-connected communication device for first responders with 20-hour talk time, 6-day standby, loudspeaker (audible up to 100 feet), and 2-way comms capabilities.
- **BRINC Safeguard Program**: A subscription-based support program covering hardware/software upgrades, unlimited repairs & replacements, maintenance, and 24/7/365 customer support.
- **BRINC Software Suite**: A web app for team and device management, livestreaming, evidence management, real-time floor plan generation (2D floor plans mid-flight), API integrations, and teleoperations. Includes planning, training, and integration services.
- **Grant Assistance Program**: Helps public safety agencies secure funding for drone programs.
- **DFR (Drone as First Responder) Programs**: Full program support including policy development, FAA Part 107/COA, public education, training, staffing, and operational support for 24/7/365 911 drone response covering up to 200 square miles.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company).
- **Key Metric**: Over $217.2M in total funding raised across 4 rounds (per LinkedIn); annual revenue estimated at $4.5M (per LinkedIn, likely conservative for a hardware company).
- **Annual Revenue**: According to GeekWire, the company "more than tripled revenue" in 2025 and "quintupled monthly production capacity."
- **Customer Base**: Deployed by over 900 public safety agencies in all 50 U.S. states and globally.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not explicitly named in source materials, but the company is backed by significant venture capital. Partnership with Verizon for cellular connectivity.
- **Growth Signals**:
    - Headcount grew 56% YoY (123 employees per LinkedIn; GeekWire reports 160 employees in early 2026).
    - Company expects to exceed 250 employees by end of 2026.
    - Moving to a massive new 50,000 sq ft HQ and factory in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood (West Canal Yards), doubling production footprint.
    - Unveiled the new Guardian drone in 2026.
    - Designed, supported, and made in the USA; NDAA, CJIS, and SOC2 compliant — a key differentiator for government clients.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Mission-Driven Focus**: Purpose-built exclusively for public safety — not a repurposed consumer drone. Founded directly in response to the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting to prevent similar tragedies.
- **End-to-End Single Vendor**: Offers hardware, software, and services (including training, grant assistance, 24/7 support) from one partner, reducing complexity for agencies.
- **U.S.-Based Manufacturing**: All drones designed, supported, and made in the USA. Compliant with NDAA, CJIS, and SOC2 standards — critical for government and law enforcement contracts.
- **Deep Customer Empathy**: Founder Blake Resnick has 30+ years of public safety experience and went on dozens of callouts with Las Vegas SWAT to develop the product. The company "listens to end users" as a core principle.
- **Unique Feature Set**: Glass breaker entry, real-time 2D floor plan generation, satellite connectivity for unlimited range, 2-way comms integrated into drones, and robotic battery/payload swapping — all purpose-built for emergency scenarios.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling Manufacturing** to meet accelerating demand — new 50,000 sq ft HQ/factory in Seattle is designed for massive production scale with tight engineering/manufacturing integration.
- **Expanding DFR (Drone as First Responder) Programs** — helping agencies move from occasional drone use to 24/7/365 911 dispatch coverage, reducing police officer exposure to danger and clearing non-priority calls by drone alone.
- **International Expansion** — already deployed globally, but growth is focused on broadening international footprint.
- **Continuous Product Innovation** — launching the Guardian drone (mid-sized outdoor), developing improved autonomy and teleoperations capabilities, and expanding the software ecosystem.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Culture**: "Save lives through technology" and "Don't build dystopia" are explicit company principles. Employees work on technology that directly reduces harm and protects first responders.
- **Cutting-Edge Hardware + Software**: Work on drones, robotics, embedded systems, autonomy, computer vision, cellular communication, web apps, and manufacturing — a rare full-stack hardware/software challenge.
- **Rapid Growth Stage**: Headcount growing from 123 to 250+ in one year. Early-stage employees have significant ownership and impact potential.
- **Company Principles**: "Try the hard stuff," "Be innovative – invent the future," "Be frugal," "Demand excellence in everything," "Move FAST," "Listen to end users."
- **Location**: On-site in Seattle, WA (Fremont/Queen Anne neighborhoods). BRINC's new HQ is a former fish cannery along the Lake Washington Ship Canal — unique industrial space with manufacturing and engineering under one roof.
- **Work Arrangement**: Primarily on-site roles in Seattle (per career page: "On-site (Seattle, WA)" for most engineering and manufacturing positions). Some remote roles exist (e.g., Manager, DFR Field Operations).
- **Perks & Culture**: High-trust environment with a flat structure; direct exposure to founder/CEO; opportunity to interface with real customers (police, fire, EMS) and see the impact of your work.
- **Engineering Focus**: Roles span mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, RF engineering, embedded software, autonomy, test engineering, software development (SDET), and R&D. Strong emphasis on iterative design and real-world testing with first responders.
- **Values**: "Be open, transparent and honest," "Move carefully and with purpose," "Be mindful of the implications of our work."

## Sources
1. [brincdrones.com - Homepage](https://brincdrones.com/)
2. [brincdrones.com - About](https://brincdrones.com/about/)
3. [brincdrones.com - Careers](https://brincdrones.com/work-at-brinc/)
4. [LinkedIn - BRINC Drones](https://www.linkedin.com/company/brincdrones)
5. [GeekWire - Drone home: Brinc moving to massive new HQ and factory](https://www.geekwire.com/2026/drone-home-brinc-moving-to-massive-new-hq-and-factory-in-seattle-amid-startups-rapid-growth/

_…truncated._

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