Lead Aerospace Mechanical Design Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Supplemental Coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Retirement Savings 401(k)

Paid Holidays

Work Environment

Ideal Location

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of aircraft mechanical systems. This role applies advanced engineering knowledge, analysis, and independent judgment to drive mechanical design and support testing and validation.

You will develop 3D CAD models, perform analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams while ensuring manufacturability, quality, and reliability of solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field; master’s preferred.
• 5–9 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, preferably in aerospace.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD tools and drawing control.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, assemblies, structures and materials.
• Experience with design for manufacturability principles and independent work.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize 3D CAD models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Perform structural, thermal, and systems-level analyses to assess performance.
• Contribute to requirements definition, trade studies, and verification planning.
• Create and review documentation such as work orders and build guides.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, technicians, and other disciplines.
• Support test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems and document results.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation integrity using PDM/PLM.
• Participate in design reviews, providing rationale and risk assessments.
• Identify risks, propose mitigations, and improve manufacturability and safety.
• Mentor junior engineers and support team skill development.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

DFM/DFA

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of aircraft mechanical systems. This role applies advanced engineering knowledge, analysis, and independent judgment to drive mechanical design and support testing and validation.

You will develop 3D CAD models, perform analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams while ensuring manufacturability, quality, and reliability of solutions.