Mechanical Engineer - Space Systems & Thermal Analysis

General Atomics; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics invites applications for a Mechanical Engineer at its Herndon, VA location, focusing on spacecraft payload and system development in power-constrained environments. The role supports design, analysis, testing, and integration across multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust solutions for defense and national security programs.

The engineer will document methods, present results to staff, and assume technical leadership on select projects, while maintaining strict confidentiality

Qualifications

• Satellite space systems experience required.
• Experience with CAD/FEA software such as SolidWorks, NASTRAN or ANSYS.
• Experience in hardware spacecraft testing and environmental testing is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in thermal modeling and simulation tools for space applications.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs complex engineering work with guidance on results.
• Documents findings and communicates results to engineering staff.
• Leads a team on single component projects when required.
• Represents the organization as a technical contact on contracts.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills

Satellite systems

CAD/FEA tools

Thermal modeling

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Equivalent engineering experience

Tools

SolidWorks

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Thermal Desktop

Job description

General Atomics invites applications for a Mechanical Engineer at its Herndon, VA location, focusing on spacecraft payload and system development in power-constrained environments. The role supports design, analysis, testing, and integration across multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust solutions for defense and national security programs.

The engineer will document methods, present results to staff, and assume technical leadership on select projects, while maintaining strict confidentiality