Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)

Decision Technologies; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO

Comprehensive Medical Insurance

401(k) match

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Certifications

Job summary

Decision Technologies, Inc. is seeking a junior mechanical engineer (Aerospace) to analyze supersonic aerodynamics, launcher motion dynamics, and thermal management for shipboard defense systems.

You will work with senior engineers, use cutting-edge CAD tools, and contribute to live fleet deployments in a demanding naval environment. Ideal candidates have a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, CAD proficiency with SolidWorks/Creo/NX, and a strong interest in defense technology, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline.
• Foundational CAD experience with 3D modeling software and simulation tools.
• Security: U.S. citizen able to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and manage detailed 3D CAD assemblies of missile airframes and launcher interfaces.
• Support launcher kinematics and robotic motion dynamics analysis.
• Evaluate aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and flight-test data to optimize performance.
• Perform thermal transfer and structural analysis using tools like ANSYS/NASTRAN.
• Assist in shipboard mechanical integration and topside installations.
• Support live test planning and evaluation for missile events and launcher qualification.

Skills

3D CAD Modeling

Kinematics

Aerodynamics

Thermal Analysis

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Inventor

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS

CFD

Job description

About Decision Technologies, Inc.

Decision Technologies was founded to help bridge the gap between Department of Defense and Federal Government acquisition programs and technology to help our customers optimize their decision-making process. Over the years, our areas of expertise have expanded to include Systems Engineering, Program Management, In-Service Engineering, Equipment Repair, Research and Development, Test and Evaluation, and Intelligence and Counterintelligence Support. Our growth and success have positioned us as a premier engineering and intelligence services provider contributing to our nation's defense.

Our company culture cultivates talented problem-solvers on focused on performance with industry-leading teamwork and responsiveness. We have established a reputation for offering superior services and solutions, proven integrity and innovation, employee engagement and development, and customer collaboration.

Bring your expertise and knowledge to our team!

Jumpstart your engineering career at the leading edge of naval defense technology. As a Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace) supporting the Navy's Terminal Defense Systems program office, you will directly shape the physical hardware protecting U.S. Navy warships and allied fleets around the world.

We are seeking a qualified Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace) in Arlington, VA, or Louisville, KY. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work situations. This is a 100% on-site, in-office position.

Position Description:

Analyzing supersonic missile aerodynamics and launcher robotic motion dynamics to solve extreme thermal problems and guide complex shipboard installations, you will apply the core mechanical principles you learned in college to high-impact, real-world systems. You will work alongside experienced senior engineers, get hands‑on with cutting‑edge digital modeling tools, and see your solutions move from simulation to live fleet deployment.

YOU MUST BE ELIGIBLE FOR A DOD SECRET CLEARANCE

Responsibilities and Duties:

• 3D CAD Modeling & Digital Prototyping: Build, modify, and manage detailed 3D CAD assemblies and digital mockups (SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.) of missile airframes, launching mechanisms, and shipboard interfaces. Use model-based tools to evaluate dimensional tolerances, mass properties, center‑of‑gravity shifts during launch, and kinematic clearances.
• Launcher Kinematics & Robotic Motion Dynamics: Support the motion planning, servo‑drive integration, and multi‑axis kinematic analysis for high‑speed automated guided missile launching systems. Analyze mechanical loads, gear‑train torque, vibration damping, and dynamic slew rates to ensure launchers track and engage incoming threats with split‑second precision.
• Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics Assessment: Assist in evaluating missile external aerodynamics, control surface actuation, and supersonic flow behavior. Review aerodynamic wind‑tunnel data, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) runs, and flight‑test trajectory models to identify performance envelopes and optimize high‑g maneuverability.
• Thermal Analysis & Extreme Environment Design: Perform thermal transfer and structural finite element analysis (FEA) using tools like ANSYS or NASTRAN/PATRAN. Evaluate rocket motor exhaust plumes, aerodynamic friction heating, electronics heat dissipation, and the environmental impact of harsh marine operating conditions (salt‑spray corrosion, solar loading, extreme humidity).
• Shipboard Mechanical Integration & Topside Installation: Support the mechanical and structural installation of launcher platforms and defensive weapon systems aboard U.S. Navy surface combatants (destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships). Review Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs), deck structural loading calculations, shock/vibration isolation mounts, and topside line‑of‑sight physical interference zones.
• Live Test & Evaluation (T&E) and Flight Trial Support: Participate in test planning and range execution for live‑fire missile events and robotic launcher qualification tests. Review mechanical telemetry data including accelerometer readouts, vibration spectrums, and thermal sensor feedback to validate engineering models against real‑world test results.
• Technical Design Packages & Change Reviews: Review OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), structural Technical Data Packages (TDPs), and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Provide actionable technical feedback on proposed mechanical hardware modifications, material substitutions, and manufacturing improvements.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline; recent graduates encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications:

• CAD & Analysis Toolkit: Foundational academic experience with modern 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, Inventor) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD, MATLAB/Simulink, or ANSYS).
• Core Engineering Fundamentals: Solid grasp of statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical vibrations.
• Curiosity & Drive: Eagerness to dive into complex electro‑mechanical, robotic, and aerodynamic defense systems, learn military design specifications, and work across interdisciplinary engineering teams.
• Security: Must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret clearance.

Travel Requirements:

• Limited travel requirements (<10%)

Compensation:

Compensation at Decision Technologies, Inc. is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience; as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Dependent Care & Commuter)
• Company paid Short‑Term, Long‑Term, Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Certifications

Decision Technologies, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.