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

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