Mechanical Engineer

Cimarron Software Services, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Major Medical and Hospitalization

401(k) with Company Matching

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Cimarron Software Services, Inc. is looking for a Mechanical Engineer in California. The successful candidate will manage hydraulic systems at Vandenberg and ensure operational readiness for launch activities.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering and over six years of mechanical systems experience. Responsibilities include leading design reviews, troubleshooting, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system functionality.

Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 6 or more years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems and hydraulic systems.
• Proficient knowledge of hydraulic systems design, operation, and maintenance.
• Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of the launch pad hydraulic systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and support anomaly investigations.
• Develop and execute maintenance strategies for system availability.

Skills

Hands-on experience with mechanical systems

Hydraulic systems knowledge

Project management experience

Ability to convey complex information

Prioritize tasks in fast-paced environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP)

P&ID schematics

Job description

Mechanical Engineer

Location

100% Onsite

Job Type

Full-time

# of Hires Needed

1

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Travel

None

Security Clearance Required

None

Pay Range (All offers will be based on experience)

$140,000.00 - $180,000.00/yr

Position Introduction / Key Duties

Cimarron is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to serve as the launch pad responsible engineer for the mechanical and hydraulic systems located in Vandenberg, CA. This position will serve as the subject matter expert for these systems in all aspects of operation, maintenance and sustainment. This position will validate and execute the performance of these systems during launch operations.

Key Duties:

• Own all aspects of the launch pad hydraulic systems used for the vehicle support strongback and the hold down release system.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for these systems during launch campaigns to validate system readiness and performance.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams — including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel — to drive mechanical system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns.
• Support safe movement of launch vehicles and payload segments at the launch complex including hoisting via crane and installation of the launch vehicle into the launch pad support structure.
• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools to validate designs and provide engineering dispositions for in-service hardware.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations.
• Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day red team activities.
• Write procedures for system activation, operation, maintenance, and vehicle handling operations.
• Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.
• Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
• Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations.
• Direct the work of Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members.
• Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad mechanical systems.

Required Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time.
• 6 or more years of hands‑on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations.
• Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex mechanical or structural systems.
• Proficient knowledge of hydraulic systems design, operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.
• Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.)
• Knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly practices.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to self‑motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance.
• Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements.
• Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials.
• Willingness to support off‑hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed).
• Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc.
• Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.).
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline.

Desired Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP, Siemens NX Nastran) and ability to verify results with hand calculations.
• Extensive and demonstrated experience designing, operating, and maintaining hydromechanical systems, including hydraulic power units, cylinders, pumps, and valves.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.).
• Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC).
• Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.).
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Benefits Package Including:

• Major Medical and Hospitalization
• Vision Care
• Preventive Care
• Ancillary Benefits
  • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Short‑Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Long‑Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Additional Life and Dependent Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Direct Deposit
• Other Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Leave
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Wellness Program