Mechanical Engineer, Space Based Interceptors (II - III)

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures and assemblies for interceptor systems, kill vehicles, and hypersonic flight vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, survivability, and reliability requirements.
• Assist in the development of flight vehicle structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support the design of primary and secondary airframe structures for high-dynamic-pressure, high-g maneuver, and thermally coupled hypersonic flight environments, including aerodynamic loading, vibration, and shock.
• Contribute to the packaging and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) hardware, seeker assemblies, and sensor systems within flight vehicle structures, with consideration for optical alignment, vibration isolation, EMI shielding, and thermal management.
• Assist in the design and application of thermal protection system (TPS) components and high-temperature structural assemblies for hypersonic and re-entry environments, including exposure to ablative, ceramic, and composite TPS materials.
• Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including solid rocket motor structural interfaces, divert and attitude control system (DACS) packaging, and nozzle and thrust vector control (TVC) structural interfaces.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for flight vehicle components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
• Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
• Aid in the development and execution of structural and environmental test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
• Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 1–4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within Space Based Interceptors, hypersonic systems, defense aerospace, or a related industry.
• Exposure to or coursework in missile systems, hypersonic vehicle design, or high-performance flight vehicle structures, including aerodynamic loading, thermal-structural coupling, or re-entry environments.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
• Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to high-dynamic-pressure and thermally demanding flight environments.
• Exposure to guidance or seeker packaging concepts, including sensor integration constraints, vibration isolation, optical alignment, and EMI management.
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials or TPS concepts used in hypersonic or re-entry applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.