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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Thanks — looking forward to connecting with the right builder.

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