As an Avionics Mechanical Engineer on the hardware team, you will be responsible for owning the mechanical design and thermal analysis, manufacture, test, and deployment of highly integrated RF devices used by a large number of space customers. You will work with a team of avionics and RF hardware engineers to shepherd the product from initial design to vehicle integration, taking a full-stack approach to building robust space systems.
Responsibilities- Own mechanical design of assemblies and mechanisms from early concept through detailed design, release, and integration (3D CAD, drawings, configuration control).
- Perform structural analysis using a mix of hand calculations and finite element analysis to evaluate strength, stiffness, fatigue margins, vibration/shock response, and thermal-structural effects.
- Build and execute thermal models (lumped/0-D, 1-D networks, and/or 3-D where appropriate), run sensitivity studies, and translate results into design decisions and requirements.
- Correlate analysis with test and operational data, update models, and drive design improvements based on discrepancies and observed failure modes.
- Lead technical trade studies across materials, geometry, interfaces, tolerances, manufacturing processes, and thermal/structural performance.
- Conduct and document failure investigations related to loads, thermal environments, vibration/shock, and manufacturing variability; produce actionable corrective actions.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with manufacturing, test, reliability, supply chain, and vendors; run design reviews and maintain clear technical documentation.
Basic Qualifications- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
- 3+ years experience in mechanical design and engineering analysis (structures and thermal).
- Demonstrated ability to produce manufacturable designs and support hardware through build, test, and integration.
Preferred Experience & Skills- Strong proficiency in CAD (e.g., Solidworks or similar) and production drawing best practices (GD&T a plus).
- Proficiency in FEA for structural analysis (e.g., ANSYS Workbench or similar), including appropriate assumptions, boundary conditions, mesh strategy, and validation.
- Thermal modeling experience using Thermal Desktop / ANSYS, and/or building 0-D/1-D thermal networks for rapid trades.
- Experience designing for harsh environments (thermal extremes, vibration, shock, vacuum, or dynamic loads).
- Track record of moving quickly on open-ended problems and driving closure with clear documentation and peer review.
