5+ years of mechanical engineering experience with ruggedized or high-performance systems
Proven track record of taking subsystems from prototype to production
Expertise in modeling and validating systems for shock and vibration resistance
Proficient in FEA tools like ANSYS, Nastran, or Abaqus
Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 standards and high-power thermal management
BS or MS in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Experience with lasers or vehicle-mounted systems is advantageous
Responsibilities
Design and validate mechanical subsystems for directed-energy systems
Perform FEA for static, modal, and vibration responses
Develop thermal management solutions for high-power systems
Build and operate test rigs for system characterization
Ensure designs meet MIL-STD-810 requirements
Lead design reviews and mentor junior engineers
Collaborate with team and travel for field tests
Benefits
On-site work environment in Detroit, Michigan
Opportunities for field testing and hands-on experience
Collaborative and lean engineering team structure
Mentorship opportunities for career growth
Engagement in cutting-edge directed-energy technology
Full Job Description
About the Role
Own major mechanical subsystems for ruggedized, field-deployable directed-energy systems, from architecture through production handoff. You will work across a lean engineering team to ensure systems perform reliably in demanding field conditions. What You'll Do
Design and validate mechanical subsystems, including laser enclosures, beam director structures, gimbals, and precision mounts.
Perform static, modal, random vibration, and shock response spectrum FEA, then correlate results with bench and field testing.
Develop thermal management solutions for high-power laser and electronics packaging across thermal cycles.
Build, instrument, and operate test rigs to characterize system behavior before field deployment.
Design for MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration requirements and other austere environments.
Take designs from concept through prototyping, validation, and manufacturing handoff.
Collaborate with senior engineers, lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and travel to field tests.
What We're Looking For
At least 5 years of mechanical engineering experience on ruggedized, field-deployable, or high-performance systems, including taking a subsystem from prototype to production.
Experience modeling, building, instrumenting, and validating systems designed to withstand shock, vibration, and environmental extremes.
Proficiency with ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent FEA tools, supported by hands-on testing and analysis correlation.
Experience with MIL-STD-810 or equivalent standards, high-power thermal management, test rigs, instrumentation, and manufacturing handoff.
A BS or MS in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Experience in lasers, directed energy, ruggedized optical systems, or vehicle-mounted systems is a plus.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $165,000 to $210,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. Location
On-site in Detroit, Michigan, with travel for field testing and range validation.
