Mechanical Engineer – High-Altitude Defense Subsystems

Lever, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401k match

PTO & sick leave

Job summary

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems within our high-altitude platform product line, from early prototype through a field-ready, producible design. This hands-on role requires clear subsystem ownership and cross-functional collaboration.

You will prototype, test, and iterate with electrical and software teams, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets while supporting a field-ready product for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 3–6 years of mechanical design experience, ideally including high-altitude, pneumatic/fluidic, or release/deployment mechanisms.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or OnShape, with a demonstrable portfolio of designs you've taken from concept through hardware.
• Hands-on prototyping and testing experience.
• US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of an assigned high-altitude subsystem, building on existing prototypes and designs.
• Run bench and field testing to validate performance across environmental and altitude conditions.
• Coordinate with electrical and software teams on actuation, control, and sensor feedback interfaces relevant to the subsystem.
• Drive the transition from working prototype to a field-ready, producible design and support production handoff.

Skills

Prototyping

Testing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

OnShape

Job description

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems within our high-altitude platform product line, from early prototype through a field-ready, producible design. This hands-on role requires clear subsystem ownership and cross-functional collaboration.

You will prototype, test, and iterate with electrical and software teams, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets while supporting a field-ready product for