Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

Overview

Job Description: Our AV team is expanding and in search of an experienced Mechanical Engineer. This will include all levels and facets of design from conceptual through the detailed design and will include building and testing of these systems. We are seeking a mid-career mechanical engineer to provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts.

You would be expected to lead the structural and thermal analysis of mechanical systems for space and airborne hardware, work within a multi-disciplined project team, be responsible for mechanical design and analysis activity, and support integration and formal acceptance-test activities. Projects vary from packaging high reliability electronics subsystems to opto-mechanical mechanism design such as gimbal and steering mirror systems.

• Design structural components, electro-mechanical design, payload mechanical design, ground equipment mechanical design, launching systems, flight control actuators integration, thermal analysis, prototype hardware development, tooling & fixtures design
• Design work shall be accomplished using CAD tools (Solid Works), simulation tools (Solid Works Simulation, ANSYS), and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, etc.)
• Work on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors
• Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards, supporting design reviews, assisting project managers with the planning and scheduling of engineering work, and supporting manufacturing & suppliers with the production of components & assemblies

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to functional hardware
• Experience in designing the following types of parts: machined parts, simple composite parts, plastic injection molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies, mechanical assemblies
• Hands-on building/prototyping experience as it pertains to lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar
• Experience designing electro-mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints
• Demonstrated competence in mechanical engineering process and design/analysis tools
• Proven experience in creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards
• Proficient at Solid Works as well as office software such as MS Office

• Experience with Solid Works EPDM is preferred
• Experience in designing tooling or test equipment is preferred
• Demonstrated competency in solving basic structural dynamics problems
• Understanding of engineering configuration management processes and material properties
• Understanding of environmental testing, including shock and vibration
• Current U.S. DOD Secret security clearance

No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is $71,852 - $101,850

This position requires access to information that is subject to ITAR and/or EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be approved for an export license. A U.S. person includes U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by Dr. Paul Mac Cready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of unmanned systems.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Qualified applicants will receive fair consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR: U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.