Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering required.
  • SolidWorks certification and additional FEA/CFD certifications or training preferred.
  • 1-5 years of experience in a collaborative engineering environment with a focus on quality design.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks for creating 3D models, mechanical assemblies, and detailed design documentation.
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials mechanics, and stress analysis is necessary.
  • Strong communication skills for clear articulation of technical issues and teamwork in multidisciplinary settings.
  • Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

  • Develop 3D models and detailed drawings for aerospace mechanical designs using SolidWorks.
  • Design mechanical parts and assemblies, ensuring they meet program and integration specifications.
  • Apply engineering principles to create reliable mechanical designs for aerospace applications.
  • Conduct basic assessments of stress, thermal performance, and design function to identify risks and opportunities.
  • Translate cross-disciplinary requirements into effective mechanical design solutions.
  • Prepare technical documents and participate in design reviews, addressing drawing comments and dimension checks.
  • Coordinate with various engineering teams to ensure practical mechanical solutions align with overall system requirements.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on innovative aerospace projects that influence industry standards.
  • Collaborative team environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
  • Professional development through certifications and training in advanced engineering practices.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and design methodologies in aerospace.
  • Support for participation in prototype builds, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
Full Job Description
  • Support aerospace mechanical design efforts by developing 3D models, detailed drawings, and mechanical assemblies from concept through release using SolidWorks.
  • Design simple to complex mechanical parts, housings, brackets, fixtures, and electronic packaging assemblies that meet program, manufacturing, and integration requirements.
  • Apply sound engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and materials to support reliable mechanical designs for aerospace applications.
  • Perform basic stress, thermal, fit, form, and function assessments and interpret analysis results to identify design risks, margins, and improvement opportunities.
  • Support multidisciplinary engineering teams by translating electrical, thermal, structural, and packaging requirements into practical mechanical design solutions.

  • Create, update, and maintain SolidWorks 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings for mechanical parts, electronic packaging, and aerospace hardware.
  • Support design reviews by preparing technical data, reviewing drawing packages, checking dimensions, and resolving mechanical design comments.
  • Perform basic stress, thermal, tolerance, and packaging assessments to verify that mechanical designs meet performance and integration requirements.
  • Coordinate with electrical, systems, manufacturing, and program staff to ensure mechanical designs support hardware layout, cable routing, cooling, assembly, and installation needs.
  • Support prototype build, inspection, troubleshooting, and test activities by resolving mechanical fit, fabrication, assembly, and documentation issues.

  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering.
  • Solidworks certification, FEA/CFD certifications and/or trainings preferred.
  • 1-5 years: Working in an engineering team environment with proven experience in delivering high quality design in support of programs.
  • 1-5 years: Proficient with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, mechanical assemblies, detailed drawings, configurations, and design documentation.
  • 1-5 years: Working knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and interpretation of engineering data.
  • 1-5 years: Ability to communicate technical issues clearly, work in a multidisciplinary team, and support aerospace hardware design, fabrication, integration, and testing.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

About Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a non-profit research and development organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The institute was founded in 1947 and has since grown to employ over 3,000 people across multiple locations in the United States. SwRI provides research and development services to a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy. The institute's research areas include automation and data systems, chemistry and chemical engineering, and space science and engineering. SwRI has a long history of working with government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, as well as private companies.
Learn more about Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
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