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Mechanical Engineer II

Overwatch Imaging

Overwatch Imaging

Software Engineering
Hood River, OR, USA
Posted on Mar 26, 2026

About Overwatch Imaging

Overwatch Imaging is an imagery intelligence technology company working to bring sensor autonomy to time-critical airborne search, detection, tracking and monitoring missions. Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload Reduction to users of real-time imagery intelligence systems. We fundamentally believe that modern edge processing and AI-enabled autonomy can perform an important set of time-critical imagery intelligence missions better, faster and more safely than humans can alone.

Founded in 2016 in Hood River, Oregon, we support private sector companies as well as federal, state and local agencies around the world with missions ranging from wildfire mapping and disaster response to law enforcement, border security, maritime domain awareness and tactical intelligence.

About this Role

The Overwatch Imaging Mechanical Engineer II will design, prototype, and test mechanical and electro-optical imaging system assemblies in support of automated airborne intelligence payloads. Including custom stabilization and motion control systems and environmentally compatible solutions.

Major Areas of Responsibility

(the ideal candidate will be strong in many of the following areas)

  • Mechanical Payload Design: Uses SolidWorks and hands-on experiments to develop multi-camera mounting, stabilization, signal routing, environmental management and aircraft integration solutions for airborne imaging payloads within size, weight, power, cost, and schedule constraints. Contributes with variable levels of fidelity to feasibility studies, new product development, and low-rate production optimization.
  • Imaging Payload Rapid Prototyping: Procures, builds, and tests components to quickly assess design feasibility and performance characteristics of novel imaging systems.
  • Camera Operation and Selection: Supports high-level imaging system conceptual design, operates cameras fluently, and understands image quality considerations.
  • Component Sourcing and Supply Optimization: Identifies new commercial off-the-shelf components and new manufacturing techniques to drive innovation and reduce system cost. Ready to build assemblies by hand or oversee outsourced build contracts.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(the ideal candidate will meet many of these requirements)

Experience and Education:

  • Formal education in mechanical engineering, electronic systems, optics, or related fields.
  • Experience in aerospace and defense, particularly with mid-sized unmanned aircraft and/or airborne camera systems.
  • Experience with electro-optical remote sensing systems, camera stabilization, visible and infrared camera operation.
  • Familiarity with mechanical part manufacturing techniques and rapid prototyping methods.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
  • 2+ years of experience with a master’s degree

Technical Competence:

  • SolidWorks CAD Software
  • Structural and Electromechanical Design for Gimballed Optical Systems
  • Visible and Infrared Camera Selection, Operation, and Stabilization
  • Aircraft Payload Integration, Motion Control, and Vibration Mitigation
  • Prototype and LRIP Product Realization

Character Attributes:

  • Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced small business work environment
  • Collaborates well in a small team and with customers
  • Ready to accept new challenges
  • Enjoys hands-on work
  • Takes pride in seeing work product reach the field

What We Offer

  • Growth Opportunities: As a team member of a true startup, you will learn by doing and shape our future. The opportunities are limitless for those who want to grow their career.
  • Impact Opportunity: We work on missions that matter to keep people safe and make the world better, and we do it without bureaucracy at the speed of a startup.
  • Team Collaboration: Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with amazing teammates. The Overwatch Imaging leadership team believes in an open-door policy, meaning everyone has a voice and access to guidance, advice, feedback, and the ability to pitch crazy new products or ideas.
  • Late Start Wednesday: A weekly block to have focus time away from meetings and calls. An opportunity to work from home, flex your schedule or self-directed time to focus on training and development.
  • Time Off: Generous PTO to empower employees to make decisions about work life balance based on work and home needs.
  • Holidays: Overwatch Imaging recognizes 10 company holidays.
  • Ownership: Equity/Stock Options in our rapidly growing company.
  • Health Benefits: Medical/Dental premiums 100% covered by Overwatch Imaging for employees and their families, plus available pre-tax health savings account.
  • 401K: Employer matching contributions up to 4% of pay.

Work Authorized Required

All applicants must be authorized to work on a permanent basis in the United States.

Overwatch Imaging is an equal opportunity workplace and makes employment decisions based on merit and business needs, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected personal characteristic.


This position may involve access to data, technology, or software that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to obtain any necessary export authorization, as determined by an export compliance assessment conducted by the company.