Mechanical Engineer II

ZipRecruiter; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading aerospace and defense innovator as a Mechanical Engineer II, driving the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for the next generation of spacecraft. Leverage your CAD expertise and collaborative spirit to work on cutting-edge projects in a mission-driven environment with lively career growth opportunities.

Benefits

401(k) with 3% company match

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance

10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO

Flexible Work-Life Balance with a 9/80 schedule

Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 years of mechanical engineering experience (aerospace).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for modeling, drawing creation, and documentation.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-STD, NASA, or GEVS.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Support prototyping and testing; assist in prototype builds and validation efforts.
• Perform basic mechanical analysis and contribute to engineering documentation.

Skills

3D CAD Design

Mechanical Testing & Troubleshooting

Design for Aerospace

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA tools such as SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

GROW WITH US ANDSTAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Mechanical Engineer II, you'll support the design and development of mechanical systems that help launch the next of spacecraft. Working across multiple projects, you’ll help bring complex mechanical assemblies from concept to production, using your CAD expertise and hands-on skills to support rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration. You’ll collaborate with electrical, systems, and software engineers to ensure designs meet requirements for performance, manufacturability, and reliability in demanding aerospace environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Design Mechanical Components and Assemblies: Create and modify 3D models and detailed technical drawings using SolidWorks for mechanical subsystems and enclosures.
• Support Prototyping and Testing: Assist in prototype builds, test setups, and validation efforts; document procedures, collect data, and participate in test result reviews.
• Contribute to Engineering Documentation: Generate and maintain BOMs, interface drawings, and engineering documentation in support of production and program requirements.
• Perform Basic Mechanical Analysis: Conduct structural and thermal evaluations using SolidWorks Simulation under guidance from senior engineers; contribute to analysis reports and design recommendations.
• Participate in Design Reviews: Present and refine designs during peer reviews, incorporating feedback and aligning to project goals and standards.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure mechanical designs integrate seamlessly with larger spacecraft subsystems.
• Engage with Suppliers and Manufacturing: Support component selection, manufacturability reviews, and troubleshooting of mechanical issues during production and integration.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• 3D CAD Design: You’re highly skilled in SolidWorks and comfortable designing complex assemblies and creating production-ready drawings.
• Mechanical Testing & Troubleshooting: You enjoy working hands-on with hardware and supporting physical testing and integration.
• Design for Aerospace: You understand mechanical design principles and are beginning to apply industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD, NASA, GEVS) to ensure performance and reliability.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3 or more years of mechanical engineering experience (aerospace ).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for modeling, drawing creation, and documentation.
• Exposure to FEA tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, NASTRAN, or ANSYS.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and mechanical integration.
• Understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, and design for manufacturability.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-STD, NASA, or GEVS.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, , legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around , positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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