Mechanical Design Engineer - Space Hardware (R&D Engineer 1/2)

About the role

The Mechanical Design Engineer will support the design, analysis, assembly, testing, and integration of custom space-based instrumentation for national security and fundamental science applications. This role involves working closely with other mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, scientists, technicians, analysts, and test personnel to develop robust, flight-ready systems.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical hardware and generate CAD models and drawings
• Support fabrication and assembly of hardware
• Perform static, dynamic, and thermal analyses using finite element analysis, hand calculations, and other analytical methods
• Conduct design trades, risk reduction activities, and apply engineering decisions throughout hardware development
• Support environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum testing
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and review materials for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to ISR-5 mechanical design and analysis tools, methods, and best practices

Requirements

• Experience developing designs in Creo, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD tools
• Experience with drafting/engineering drawings including knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards
• Knowledge of mechanical and thermal environments relevant to flight hardware
• Proficiency in engineering fundamentals related to space-based hardware
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, quality, peer review, and responsible engineering practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
• Experience supporting the design, analysis, qualification, launch, or operation of spaceflight, aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware
• Experience working with concepts and practices of GD&T
• Experience with launch environments, including quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock, acoustics, modal analysis, or coupled loads
• Experience with space thermal environments, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, orbital heating, radiation, or electronics heating
• Experience with ASME, NASA, DoD, or aerospace standards such as ASME Y14.5, NASA-STD-5001/5002, NASA-STD-5020, GSFC-STD-7000, MIL-STD-1540, MIL-STD-810, ECSS, MMPDS, or related program-specific requirements

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)