Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
2-5+ years experience in designing or testing mechanical/fluids systems
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and GD&T
Proficient in 3D CAD tools like NX or SolidWorks
Solid understanding of mechanical systems, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, or hardware testing
Initiative for continuous improvement and adaptable in fast-paced environments
Responsibilities
Perform trade studies and first-order analyses for design decisions
Complete detailed component designs and validate with analyses
Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless integration
Specify and qualify components in partnership with suppliers
Develop test plans and analyze hardware performance data
Support prototyping and testing phases hands-on
Participate in technical reviews and contribute to safety analyses
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSAs
401(k) program and stock option plan
Self-managed flexible time-off policy including PTO and sick time
Flexible work environment promoting collaboration
Full Job Description
WHO YOU ARE:
Astro Mechanica is seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Astro Mechanica demonstrator aircraft.
In this role, your mission will be to shepherd novel airframe integration and component hardware from whiteboard design through analysis, qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Perform trade studies and first-order analyses to inform component design and system architecture decisions
Complete detailed component designs and drawings. Validate your designs with structural, thermal, and/or fluid analyses
Collaborate closely with propulsion, structures, avionics, controls, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless component and system integration
Work with suppliers to specify, select, and qualify off-the-shelf and/or custom components
Develop and conduct hardware test plans and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics meet design intent
Provide hands-on support during prototyping, vehicle builds, ground testing, and flight test campaigns
Participate in technical reviews, generate clear documentation, and contribute to safety and hazard analyses
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
2-5+ years of experience designing, integrating, or testing fluid or mechanical systems
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or similar) for routing, packaging, and component design
Solid understanding of mechanical system, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals and analysis methods
Hands-on experience with hardware- fabrication, assembly, or testing
Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, evolving development environment
PERKS & BENEFITS:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
Flexible work environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
