Mechanical or Electrical Engineer

AirTape, LLC seeks an independent contractor with Mechanical or Electrical engineering expertise to design CAD models, BOMs, assembly instructions, and PLC based control systems for the Drone Package Feeder systems. This onsite contract position in Knoxville, Tennessee offers an hourly rate of USD 20 to 40. All work product and related IP will be assigned to AirTape LLC.

Responsibilities

• Create complete 3D mechanical CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings for the envelope tape feed system components, including tape drives, package drives, tape cutter, package reader, drone platform interface, and vehicle opening interface.
• Generate Bills of Materials, assembly drawings, and detailed fabrication and assembly documentation.
• Design the electrical and control architecture, selecting PLC hardware, define I/O lists, produce wiring diagrams, and layout control panels.
• Program and commission PLC logic to manage tape and package feeding, indexing and positioning, cutting, sensing, safety interlocks, and integration with drone platform operations.
• Collaborate remotely with the AirTape team via video meetings and shared design files to iterate on designs and ensure alignment with system requirements and patent concepts.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, reliability, cost, and ease of assembly.
• Complete required intellectual property assignment and confidentiality agreements to transfer full ownership of designs and code to AirTape LLC.

Requirements

• Working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in mechanical CAD design and/or industrial PLC controls and automation.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software, with SolidWorks preferred; acceptable alternatives include Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or Creo.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience on platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalents; ladder logic and structured text are required.
• Solid understanding of motion control, sensors, actuators, and automated material handling or packaging equipment.
• Ability to work independently as a remote contractor and deliver production-ready designs.
• Willingness to sign a contractor services agreement that includes full IP assignment of all designs and code to AirTape LLC.
• Portfolio of relevant CAD models/drawings and/or PLC projects is preferred.

Technologies

• SolidWorks
• Autodesk Inventor
• Fusion 360
• Creo
• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell
• Siemens
• Ladder logic
• Structured text

Benefits

• Flexible schedule

How to Apply

• Updated resume
• Cover letter highlighting relevant CAD and/or PLC experience
• Portfolio or examples of recent mechanical CAD work and/or PLC projects (highly recommended)
• Availability and preferred compensation structure (hourly rate or project fee range)