Mechanical Engineer, High-Altitude Flight Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage for you and family

4% 401k match

PTO and Sick Leave

Job summary

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc. is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems for the Piranha high-altitude platform. You will move a subsystem from prototype to field-ready, producible hardware, with hands-on CAD, prototyping, and testing.

You’ll see your hardware fly and operate across extreme conditions. The role requires 3–6 years in mechanical design, proficiency in CAD tools, and US citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3-6 years of industry experience in mechanical design, 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 the mechanical design of an assigned high-altitude subsystem, building on and leveling up existing prototypes
• Conduct rigorous FEA (structural, thermal, and vibration) to ensure your designs survive extreme temperatures and dynamic loads of high-altitude flight
• Design for reliability, manufacturability (DFM), and cost at the subsystem level
• Experience rapid iteration—design a part in CAD, 3D print it in our shop, and have a finished prototype in days to test
• Run bench-level and field testing to validate performance across extreme environmental and altitude conditions

Skills

CAD Tools

Prototyping

Hands-on testing

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

OnShape

Job description

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc. is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems for the Piranha high-altitude platform. You will move a subsystem from prototype to field-ready, producible hardware, with hands-on CAD, prototyping, and testing.

You’ll see your hardware fly and operate across extreme conditions. The role requires 3–6 years in mechanical design, proficiency in CAD tools, and US citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.