Space Decoded is a Toronto-based startup building a drone-based service platform — customers request a job, and our drone performs it. We're starting from a Holybro X650 dev kit and working toward a larger octocopter (SD-X8) designed to carry mission-specific payloads for real customer jobs. As an early team member, you'll have real ownership over the mechanical design and see your work go from CAD file to flying hardware.

We're looking for a paid intern to own the mechanical/structural design and simulation side — frame, mounts, and modular payload components — entirely in SolidWorks.

What you'll work on

- Custom drone frame and structural design in SolidWorks, built for repeatable, reliable commercial use (not just a one-off prototype)
- Designing modular mounts/enclosures for interchangeable service payloads (camera, sensor, delivery, or inspection modules — swappable per job type)
- Running SolidWorks Simulation (static/stress, ideally motion/vibration analysis) to validate parts before fabrication
- Producing 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and BOMs to a professional standard
- Iterating designs based on weight, balance, stress results, and flight-worthiness constraints
- Preparing validated designs for fabrication (3D printing and/or CNC/machined parts)





What we're looking for

- Robust SolidWorks skills: part modeling, assemblies, 2D drawings, and BOM generation
- SolidWorks Simulation (FEA) — stress, deflection, and ideally basic vibration/dynamic analysis
- Understanding of GD&T; and design-for-manufacturing (3D printing, sheet metal, or CNC)
- Experience or coursework in lightweight/weight-optimized structural design
- Bonus: interest in modular/quick-release design (payloads that can be swapped between jobs)
- Bonus: familiarity with designing for airborne/UAV applications, composite materials, or PDM/version control tools
- A portfolio or past project showing something you designed and simulated that got built (and ideally worked)

Deliverable / success criteria A complete, fabrication-ready SolidWorks design for the drone's frame and a modular payload mounting system — backed by simulation results — ready to move into build and flight testing (handled by our team) for real service use cases.

Details

- Toronto-based, flexible/hybrid
- Great fit for a student or recent grad in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or aerospace with SolidWorks Simulation experience

📌 SolidWorks Drone Design Intern (Toronto)
🏢 Space Decoded
📍 Toronto