Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineer

Canopy Ad; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company paid health insurance (medical

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement plan participation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Vacation

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

MSM Industries in Irvine, CA seeks an experienced mechanical engineer to lead design and development of advanced composite components and assemblies. The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, testing, and cross-functional collaboration from concept through production, with a focus on manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.

You will prototype and analyze materials (carbon fiber, silicones, urethanes), drive process improvements, and ensure production readiness while maintaining

Qualifications

• 3+ years mechanical design experience focusing on composites, thermal control, and vibration damping.
• Leadership in engineering projects involving design, prototyping, and manufacturing of mechanical/ polymer-based systems.
• Hands-on projects with advanced materials and mechanical components.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex mechanical components and assemblies for elastomer and phenolic composite systems.
• Collaborate to define scalable manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Create and maintain process control documentation for compliance and efficiency.
• Identify and implement process improvements on existing lines.
• Perform trade studies and define requirements for radar absorption, thermal control, and mechanical performance.
• Conduct structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Prototype and test advanced materials (carbon fiber, silicones, urethanes).
• Lead root-cause analysis for material and hardware failures in development and production.

Skills

Mechanical design

Composites

Thermal control

Vibration damping

Leadership

Prototyping

CAD

GD&T ASME Y14.5

ISO 9001 experience

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM systems

Job description

Role Summary

This role leads the design and development of advanced composite components and assemblies for MSM’s new development projects as well as production support and sustainment of existing product lines. It combines hands‑on engineering with cross‑functional collaboration to drive innovation from concept through production. The position emphasizes mechanical design, prototyping, and testing of composite phenolic and elastomer‑based systems, with a strong focus on manufacturability, production readiness, and compliance with aerospace and defense standards. Ideal candidates bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and practical experience in advanced materials and ruggedized hardware applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical components and assemblies for elastomer and phenolic composite systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define and implement scalable, high‑quality manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Create and maintain process control documentation to ensure compliance, consistency, and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality teams to identify, capture, and implement opportunities for process improvement on existing production lines.
• Conduct trade studies and define requirements to optimize designs for radar absorption, thermal control, vibration damping, and mechanical performance.
• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA on composite structures and precision‑engineered components.
• Prototype and test advanced materials (e.g., carbon fiber, silicones, urethanes), iterating based on performance data.
• Investigate material and hardware failures, lead root‑cause analyses, and implement corrective actions in both development and production phases.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of mechanical design experience, with emphasis on composites, thermal control, and vibration damping materials.
• Proven leadership in engineering projects involving design, prototyping, and manufacturing of mechanical, phenolic, and polymer‑based systems.
• Hands‑on experience with technical projects, including collegiate or professional work focused on advanced materials and mechanical components.
• Strong understanding of elastomer and phenolic manufacturing processes, material properties, and relevant testing standards.
• Proficient in CAD software with the ability to produce high‑quality, industry‑compliant engineering drawings.
• Solid grasp of engineering fundamentals including structures, materials science, thermal management, and mechanical systems.
• Skilled in prototyping and fabrication techniques such as composite compression curing, composite layups, and mechanical assembly.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience in advanced material applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.

Additional Qualifications / Experience

• Proficient in SolidWorks or similar CAD/CAM tools, with experience using PLM systems.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and its application in engineering drawings.
• Advanced design experience across CNC machining, composites, ceramics, sheet metal, and compression molding, including tooling and mold design.
• Demonstrated leadership and excellent interpersonal skills in cross‑functional engineering environments.
• Familiarity with qualification campaigns for aerospace and defense hardware, including ruggedized system design.
• Experience designing for harsh environments, ensuring durability and performance under extreme conditions.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense‑related information and facilities.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience in advanced material applications.
• Experience in an ISO 9001 or other quality‑driven manufacturing environment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs. and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
• Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
• Occasional travel to supplier or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
• Ability to safely wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing.
• Ability to follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and manufacturing procedures.

Benefits

• Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan participation (eligibility required)
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation
• Paid holidays
• Discretionary bonuses

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MSM Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with MSM Industries is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Job Details

FLSA Classifications: Salary (Exempt)

Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $80,000 to $140,000

Business Hours: Core Business hours (flexibility to support project needs beyond standard times)

Reports to: Head of Engineering

Base Location: Irvine, CA

Travel: Up to 10%