Mechanical Design Engineer II (Onsite)
Quick facts
- Pay
- $108,750 - $174,000 USD
- Type
- Full-time
- Location
- Sterling, Virginia
- Industry
- Engineering — 264 open jobs
- Visa in listing
- H-1B
- Apply
- Free to apply — never pay anyone for a job offer or visa sponsorship
Job description
Join Axon and be a Force for Good.
At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.
Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.
Your Impact:
Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation.
Mechanical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ownership over next generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, whose work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. Our passionate leadership and cross-functional collaboration with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come.
This role emphasizes mechanical design, thermal analysis, prototyping, and system integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CAD modeling, structural optimization, and hands-on prototyping, with a focus on creating durable and high-performance designs for diverse operational environments.
Location: Onsite at our offices in Sterling, VA
What You'll Do:
- Drive innovative product development from conceptualization through manufacturing, ensuring designs meet durability and reliability standards.
- Utilize creative problem solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs
- Construct and analyze high fidelity proof-of-concept prototypes
- Perform detailed mechanical analysis to ensure proper function through FEA, tolerance analysis, testing, and other exploratory means
- Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders
- Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast-paced environment
- Hone your engineering expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development
- Rigorously document and manage design specifications, production processes, and compliance requirements.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- Proven experience in mechanical design and system integration, preferably in industries involving advanced hardware systems.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling and detailed engineering drawings.
- Hands-on experience with prototyping tools and fabrication equipment (e.g., drills, bandsaws, 3D printers).
- Knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32, Arduino), and single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
- Strong understanding of engineering principles, including heat transfer, EMI, and shock/vibration.
- Experience with simulation tools for thermal and structural analysis.
- Familiarity with MIL STDs and designing for harsh environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve technical challenges.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex ideas.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity.
Work Location
This role is based out of either our Sterling, VA office, and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
Benefits that Benefit You
- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionary paid time off
- Paid parental leave for all
- Medical, Dental, Vision plans
- Fitness Programs
- Emotional & Mental Wellness support
- Learning & Development programs
- And yes, we have snacks in our offices
Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work
Axon is a total compensation company, meaning compensation is made up of base pay, bonus, and stock awards. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: level, function, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, geographic market, and often a combination of all these factors. Our benefits offer an array of options to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. To see more details on our benefits offerings please visit https://www.axon.com/careers.
Base Pay Range
$108,750 - $174,000 USD
Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Important Notes
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.
Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
We collect personal information from applicants to evaluate candidates for employment. You may request access, deletion, or exercise other CCPA rights at akongreenhousesupport@axon.com or via our Axon Privacy Web Form. For more information, please see the Your California Privacy Rights section of our Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice.
Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. 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 all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.
Phishing alert: Axon will never ask you to pay for any part of the hiring process, including training, equipment, or background checks. We do not make job offers via text message, WhatsApp, or instant messaging platforms without a formal interview process. All legitimate job openings are listed on our official careers page at https://www.axon.com/careers. If you receive a suspicious offer or outreach from an email address that is not @axon.com, or if you are asked for sensitive personal information (bank details, Social Security Number) prematurely, please ignore the message and report it to recruitingops@axon.com.
Axon is a total compensation company, meaning compensation is made up of base pay, bonus, and stock awards. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: level, function, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, geographic market, and often a combination of all these factors. Our benefits offer an array of options to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. To see more details on our benefits offerings please visit https://www.axon.com/careers.
Please note prior to proceeding: Axon will determine, in its sole discretion, whether to sponsor or continue sponsorship of any employment-based visa, including an H-1B petition, transfer, or extension, or other petition. Axon cannot guarantee that work authorization will be sought and reserves the right to withdraw this offer or terminate employment in the event that Axon determines not to or is unable to proceed with visa sponsorship. Any verbal or written commitment made by Axon regarding visa sponsorship is non-binding and may be changed at any time in Axon's sole discretion.
Due to the nature of Axon’s products and technology, certain job-related technical data is subject to U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order for certain Non-U.S. Persons to access this technology/data, Axon must apply for and be issued a deemed export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Any Non-U.S. Person is subject to deemed export regulations except a Non-U.S. Person who (1) is granted U.S. Permanent Resident status, as demonstrated by the issuance of a permanent resident visa (i.e., Green Card); or (2) is granted U.S. citizenship; or (3) is granted status as a protected person (i.e., Asylee or Refugee) under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.
The following questions apply only to an employee’s ability to access firearms in accordance with Reference 5.1, 18 U.SC. § 922(d), (g) and (n), Reference 5.7, 27 C.F.R. § 478.32. Answering dishonestly to any of the below questions may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Possession of firearms by Prohibited Possessors is a violation under U.S. federal law and can result in criminal penalties.
Please answer all questions below in a “Yes” or “No” format.
Visa sponsorship record
No public sponsorship records foundWe didn't find H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 or green card (PERM) filings under the name Axon in the Department of Labor and USCIS data. That doesn't mean the job can't be sponsored — the company may file under a different legal name, be new to sponsorship, or sponsor a visa that isn't in these datasets (for example H-2B or J-1).
Tip: ask the recruiter early, in writing, which visa they sponsor and whether they cover the legal and filing fees.
Which visas can work for this job
Occupation: Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141).
- Mentioned in the listing
H-1B
- H-1B cap-exempt employer
Regular cap-subject employer — a new H-1B needs to win the lottery in March (unless you already hold cap-counted H-1B status).
- TN (citizens of Canada and Mexico)
This kind of role may fit the USMCA profession “Engineer” — it depends on the actual duties. No lottery, no cap; you need the matching degree or license.
- E-3 (Australia) and H-1B1 (Chile, Singapore)
Same degree requirement as H-1B, but no lottery and a separate quota that is rarely filled.
- O-1 (extraordinary ability)
For candidates with awards, publications, press, a high salary or critical roles at distinguished organizations. No cap, no lottery; the employer files a petition.
- STEM OPT extension (F-1 students)
Requires an E-Verify employer. We didn't find this company in the E-Verify list — ask HR.
Salary vs prevailing wage
Level I (entry)Mechanical Engineers · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV. Annual prevailing wages set by the Department of Labor (OFLC).
| Level | Prevailing wage | H-1B lottery odds* |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | $91,166 | ~15% |
| Level II | $112,174 | ~31% |
| Level III | $133,162 | ~46% |
| Level IV | $154,170 | ~61% |
This job pays $108,750–$174,000 a year — that's Level I (entry). In the wage-weighted H-1B lottery a Level I registration gets 1 entry; estimated selection chance about 15% — below average.
* Odds are DHS projections for the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery (actual results vary by year and employer). Since the FY2027 cap season the H-1B lottery is weighted by wage level: Level I = 1 entry, II = 2, III = 3, IV = 4. The level is set by the offered wage against the prevailing wage for the occupation and worksite. Separately, a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US was announced in 2025; as of September 2026 a federal court ruling keeps it unenforceable while appeals continue — check the current status.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC disclosure data (H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 LCA, PERM), OFLC prevailing wage data, USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, E-Verify participating employers. Data loaded: LCA FY2024–FY2026, PERM, USCIS Data Hub, OFLC wages; updated 2026-10-03. Employers are matched by name, so records of companies with similar names can occasionally be mixed up. This is general information, not legal advice — talk to an immigration attorney about your case.