Mechanical Design Engineer Level 2

Stealth Mode; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup in El Segundo, CA, is hiring a skilled mechanical design engineer to design and test aerospace rocket/missile systems. You will own system components from conception to integration and manufacturing, requiring a strong background in mechanical design and analysis, specifically using SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience and a relevant engineering degree. This role demands innovation, organization, and a commitment to excellence in complex mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• 3+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of military hardware from concept through manufacturing.
• Design and prototype high production parts for aerospace systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and iteration cycles for reliability.

Skills

Mechanical design

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

3D CAD (SOLIDWORKS)

ANSYS

GD&T

Project leadership

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Creo

ANSYS

Job description

About the Company

We are a stealth‑mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff‑level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world‑class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled mechanical design engineer with a strong design and testing background. You will design, prototype, analyze, and test complex vehicle components and systems for aerospace rocket/missile systems. This role will design high‑production parts for complex aerospace systems. You will own system components, subassemblies, architecture, and products from conception through to integrated testing and manufacture, and be responsible for performance by executing analysis and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of military hardware for flight vehicles from initial concept through high‑volume manufacturing and deployment.
• Design for high production parts.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on complex designs exposed to harsh conditions, both environmental and dynamic.
• Define and refine design criteria, collaborate on product requirements, and drive optimization at the system level.
• Design actuator system and work closely with Electrical engineering team.
• Create intricate and detailed models in SOLIDWORKS and CAD.
• Conduct rigorous testing and iteration cycles to ensure reliability and robust performance across all environments and operational scenarios.
• Continuously enhance manufacturing processes to achieve high‑rate, high‑yield, and dependable production.
• Establish and manage an effective product lifecycle, from supply chain sourcing through final assembly and integration, balancing cost efficiency, production complexity, and quality standards; closely coordinate with partner teams to develop and operate an optimized in‑house manufacturing line.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• 3+ years of hands‑on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SOLIDWORKS or Creo preferred).
• Experienced in using ANSYS.
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high‑volume production ramp.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability.
• Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.).
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Legal/EU Compliance & Eligibility

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.