Lead Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Composites & Packaging

Roboticsconnected; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and test unmanned aerial systems and propulsion packages. You will lead composite structures, manage mid-size programs, and serve as a technical authority for high-performance aerospace packaging.

Ideal candidates have 12–15 years in mechanical/aerospace engineering with deep experience in carbon fiber/ epoxy composites, advanced FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN), and manufacturing processes like autoclave curing or RTM.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Science; MS/PhD preferred.
• 12–15 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace.
• 6–7 years focused on structural design, analysis, and manufacturing of advanced composites.
• Proficiency with FEA tools and composite manufacturing methods.
• Eligibility for U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead structural design of composite/mechanical systems for aerospace.
• Lead multi-disciplinary analysis including thermal, structural, and dynamic workloads.
• Direct laboratory and field testing to qualify designs.
• Select materials and processes for extreme environmental conditions.
• Oversee manufacturing integration and tooling development.
• Create documentation, GD&T, BOMs, and test plans.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Project leadership

Security clearance eligible

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

RTM / autoclave curing

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and test unmanned aerial systems and propulsion packages. You will lead composite structures, manage mid-size programs, and serve as a technical authority for high-performance aerospace packaging.

Ideal candidates have 12–15 years in mechanical/aerospace engineering with deep experience in carbon fiber/ epoxy composites, advanced FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN), and manufacturing processes like autoclave curing or RTM.