Mechanical Engineer (Payload Design & Integration)Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Remote/Telework: No - Onsite work is required
Citizenship Requirement: Must be a U.S. citizen
Clearance Required: Must be eligible for a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position SummaryAegis Aerospace is currently seeking a
Mechanical Engineer to support the DoD Human-Rated Space Task Order 2 (DHSTO 2) contract onsite at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
This position supports the DoD Space Test Program (STP) Houston office through the design, development, integration, testing, and verification of payload hardware throughout the project lifecycle. The Mechanical Engineer will develop payload and subsystem CAD models, perform engineering analysis, create drawings and technical documentation, support payload integration, and participate in environmental testing.
The selected candidate will support multiple projects and coordinate with engineers, program management, NASA counterparts, DoD customers, and experiment teams to accomplish project objectives. The role also contributes to design-review products, verification documentation, review of analysis results, and effective communication of technical findings to project stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe candidate will:
- Develop mechanical CAD models in accordance with established program requirements and processes
- Create engineering drawings, assembly procedures, task performance sheets, verification reports, and other project documentation
- Prepare, assemble, and integrate mechanical components and payload hardware
- Review experiment-team mechanical designs for compatibility with project and interface requirements
- Coordinate with project teams to review structural-analysis results produced by internal and external organizations
- Prepare and submit verification artifacts and supporting technical reports
- Support random vibration testing, including test configuration, setup, execution, and post-test data review
- Support project reviews, including Kickoff Reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and Mission Readiness Reviews (MRRs)
- Participate in recurring project and team meetings to communicate status, identify risks, and coordinate upcoming activities
- Communicate technical results and recommendations to project managers, project leads, customers, and engineering colleagues
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of mechanical-design processes, documentation practices, and payload-integration workflows
Minimum Qualifications- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be eligible to successfully complete an SSBI or equivalent government background investigation, as required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
- 5-10 years of directly relevant mechanical-design experience
- Experience developing mechanical CAD models using SolidWorks
- Experience working with SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM) or a comparable controlled engineering-data environment
- Experience applying NASA and/or DoD mechanical-design standards
- Experience creating engineering drawings using dimensioning and tolerancing practices in accordance with ASME Y14.5
- Experience developing mechanical integration and assembly procedures
- Hands-on experience supporting random vibration testing
- Experience performing bolted-joint analysis, preferably in accordance with NASA-STD-5020
- Experience designing, evaluating, or working with common spacecraft mechanisms
- Demonstrated technical problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve mechanical-design and integration challenges
- Ability to review technical analysis and communicate conclusions effectively
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment where communication and coordination are essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, project leads, customers, and engineering colleagues
- Ability to establish and maintain credible, professional working relationships with customers and colleagues
- Mature professional judgment when establishing objectives, milestones, and priorities
- Motivated self-starter with the willingness to take initiative and work across multiple projects
- Reliable and dependable work habits with a commitment to meeting mission and project objectives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to travel as required in support of payload activities
Desired Qualifications- Experience supporting government contracts
- Experience performing mechanical design for International Space Station payloads, spacecraft payloads, or satellite missions
- Experience using SolidWorks analysis tools and/or NASTRAN/PATRAN analysis software
- Experience with spacecraft or payload integration
- Experience supporting environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal-vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat
Compensation- $85,000-$105,000 annually
- The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, education, specialized skills, internal equity, contractual requirements, and market conditions.
BenefitsAegis Aerospace offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid and voluntary life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Education or professional-development assistance
- Additional voluntary benefits
- Benefits eligibility and specific plan provisions are governed by the applicable plan documents and company policies.
