Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)

About the role

Decision Technologies, Inc. helps bridge the gap between DoD and Federal Government acquisition programs and technology to optimize decision‑making. As a Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace) supporting the Navy’s Terminal Defense Systems program office, you will analyze supersonic missile aerodynamics and launcher robotic motion dynamics to solve extreme thermal problems and guide complex shipboard installations. You will work alongside senior engineers, use cutting‑edge digital modeling tools, and see your solutions move from simulation to live fleet deployment. This is a 100% on‑site position in Arlington, VA or Louisville, KY; you must be eligible for a DoD Secret clearance. Travel requirements are limited.

Responsibilities

• 3D CAD Modeling & Digital Prototyping: Build, modify, and manage detailed 3D CAD assemblies and digital mockups (SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.) of missile airframes, launching mechanisms, and shipboard interfaces. Use model‑based tools to evaluate dimensional tolerances, mass properties, center‑of‑gravity shifts during launch, and kinematic clearances.
• Launcher Kinematics & Robotic Motion Dynamics: Support motion planning, servo‑drive integration, and multi‑axis kinematic analysis for high‑speed automated guided missile launching systems. Analyze mechanical loads, gear‑train torque, vibration damping, and dynamic slew rates to ensure launchers track and engage incoming threats with split‑second precision.
• Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics Assessment: Assist in evaluating missile external aerodynamics, control surface actuation, and supersonic flow behavior. Review aerodynamic wind‑tunnel data, CFD runs, and flight‑test trajectory models to identify performance envelopes and optimize high‑g maneuverability.
• Thermal Analysis & Extreme Environment Design: Perform thermal transfer and structural finite element analysis (FEA) using tools like ANSYS or NASTRAN/PATRAN. Evaluate rocket motor exhaust plumes, aerodynamic friction heating, electronics heat dissipation, and the environmental impact of harsh marine operating conditions (salt‑spray corrosion, solar loading, extreme humidity).
• Shipboard Mechanical Integration & Topside Installation: Support the mechanical and structural installation of launcher platforms and defensive weapon systems aboard U.S. Navy surface combatants (destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships). Review Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs), deck structural loading calculations, shock/vibration isolation mounts, and topside line‑of‑sight physical interference zones.
• Live Test & Evaluation (T&E) and Flight Trial Support: Participate in test planning and range execution for live‑fire missile events and robotic launcher qualification tests. Review mechanical telemetry data including accelerometer readouts, vibration spectrums, and thermal sensor feedback to validate engineering models against real‑world test results.
• Technical Design Packages & Change Reviews: Review OEM Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), structural Technical Data Packages (TDPs), and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Provide actionable technical feedback on proposed mechanical hardware modifications, material substitutions, and manufacturing improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline; recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Foundational academic experience with modern 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, Inventor) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD, MATLAB/Simulink, or ANSYS).
• Solid grasp of statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical vibrations.
• Eagerness to dive into complex electro‑mechanical, robotic, and aerodynamic defense systems, learn military design specifications, and work across interdisciplinary engineering teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret clearance.

Benef