Mechanical Engineer

HX5; Brook Park (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation

Medical Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

FSA

Pet Insurance

Job summary

HX5, LLC seeks a Mechanical Engineer to support NASA Glenn Research Center in Brook Park, Ohio, for the GEARS program. The role covers design, testing, and documentation of an AM-built six-foot distributed electric propulsion drone, with propulsion integration and RC flight readiness.

You will perform thermal/structural analyses, develop open-source build docs, and collaborate with NASA and partners to enable rapid experimentation and demonstrations.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree required.
• Bachelor’s: 2–5 years of relevant experience; Master’s: 0–3 years.
• Experience with CAD, additive manufacturing, and hands-on prototyping.
• Proficiency in structural, thermal, and aerodynamic analysis (FEA/CFD).
• Experience with instrumentation and control system integration.
• MATLAB/Simulink for propulsion and dynamics modeling.
• Strong documentation and test data recording abilities.
• Experience coordinating complex engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Support NASA Glenn Research Center in developing a fully additively manufactured drone platform.
• Lead concept through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and flight readiness.
• Perform CAD design, AM fabrication, propulsion integration, and ground testing.
• Implement control systems with Cube flight controllers and validate airworthiness for RC flight environments.
• Prepare open-source build documentation and support wind tunnel testing.
• Collaborate with NASA and external partners for rapid experimentation and demonstrations.

Skills

CAD design

FEA/CFD analysis

MATLAB/Simulink

Instrumentation & control

Project coordination

Documentation

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree

Master’s degree (optional)

Tools

SolidWorks

CREO

Cube flight controllers

Lab testing equipment

Job description

Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer II
NASA Glenn Research Center
Brook Park, Ohio

HX5 is an award‑winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast‑growing veteran and woman‑owned company with locations nationwide.

HX5 is currently seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer/Thermal Analyst to join our team in Brook Park, Ohio in support of the GEARS contract at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A Mechanical Engineer is needed to support NASA’s Glenn Research Center in the development of a fully additively manufactured (AM), six‑foot Distributed Electric Propulsion Research Drone (DEPRD). The engineer would manage the development process from concept through detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and flight readiness; producing an open‑source drone platform that supports NASA research, university studies, small business innovation, and STEM education. Responsibilities include CAD design, AM fabrication, propulsion integration, ground testing, control system implementation using Cube flight controllers, and ensuring the design meets airworthiness requirements for RC/hobbyist flight environments.

The candidate should have experience in multi‑disciplinary system development, hands‑on lab work, fluid and thermal analysis, documentation, and managing technical projects. They would also be responsible for the preparation of open‑source build documentation, support wind tunnel testing, and collaborate with NASA and external research partners to enable rapid experimentation and distributed propulsion control demonstrations.

Required Experience:

• Experience in CAD design (preferably in SolidWorks, CREO, or an open‑source package), additive manufacturing, and hands‑on prototyping.
• Proficiency in structural, thermal, and aerodynamic analysis using tools such as FEA, CFD, and system level modeling
• Experience with instrumentation and control system integration.
• MATLAB/Simulink expertise for modeling propulsion, flow systems, and dynamic behavior.
• Laboratory experience including strong problem solving, troubleshooting, and systematic testing skills required to safely conduct experimental demonstrations on integrated ground test beds.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including using photography and videography to accurately record test bed operations, hardware integration, and experimental outcomes.
• Experience coordinating complex engineering projects, deadlines, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Education/Experience:

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree from ABET accredited program with the following education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree and two (2) to five (5) years of relevant experience
• Master’s degree and zero (0) to three (3) years of relevant experience

Other Position Requirements:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation

HX5 offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• Relocation Assistance
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pet Insurance

HX5, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

HX5, LLC is a Drug Free Workplace Employer.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please call [phone].