MECHANICAL ENGINEER with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to support research, prototype development, and integration of payloads and vehicle modifications for aircraft and related systems.

You will design, develop, assemble, test, and analyze prototype systems and modifications throughout the product lifecycle, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to deliver mission-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM with 2+ years of experience or a Master’s degree in STEM.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Experience using CAD software and engineering design tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues, customers, partners, and stakeholders on engineering designs and technical solutions.
• Design, implement, improve, and test integrations, equipment, components, products, and systems for commercial and military applications.
• Utilize CAD/engineering tools to perform analyses and design activities.
• Direct and coordinate manufacturing, assembly, installation, documentation, and testing activities to meet customer requirements.
• Plan fabrication, assembly, and installation methods for aircraft components and systems.
• Maintain knowledge of aerospace standards and best practices for structural installations.
• Develop project labor estimates, schedules, and task breakdowns.
• Design structural components using metals, composites, and additive manufacturing materials.
• Apply coatings and environmental protection considerations in aircraft design.
• Assist in ground support equipment design and development.
• Perform structural analyses to verify safety margins and compliance.
• Create or review engineering drawings for draftsmen.
• Design and participate in ground and flight tests, analyze data, support installation/removal activities.

Skills

Independent problem solving

Travel willingness

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Job description

JOB TITLE: Mechanical Engineer II

DEPARTMENT: Research & Development

REPORTS TO: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

CLEARANCE: Secret or Ability to Obtain and Maintain a Security Clearance

LOCATION: Hollywood, MD

Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer II supports research, prototype development, and integration of payloads and vehicle modifications for aircraft and related systems. This role is responsible for the design, development, assembly, testing, and analysis of prototype systems and aircraft modifications. The position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations personnel throughout the product development lifecycle to ensure high-quality, mission-ready solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues, customers, partners, and stakeholders on engineering designs and technical solutions.
• Design, implement, improve, and test integrations, equipment, components, products, and systems for commercial and military applications.
• Utilize computer-aided engineering and design software to perform engineering analyses and design activities.
• Direct and coordinate manufacturing, assembly, installation, documentation, and testing activities to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
• Plan fabrication, assembly, and installation methods for aircraft components and systems.
• Maintain working knowledge of aerospace standards, guidelines, and best practices related to aircraft structural installations.
• Develop project labor estimates, schedules, and task breakdowns.
• Design structural components utilizing metals, composites, and additive manufacturing (3D-printed) materials.
• Apply knowledge of coatings and environmental protection considerations within aircraft design.
• Assist in the design and development of ground support equipment.
• Perform structural analyses on new and existing designs to verify safety margins and compliance requirements.
• Create engineering drawings or review drawings developed by drafting personnel.
• Design and participate in ground and flight tests, collect measurements, analyze test data, and support installation and removal activities as required.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure products are built in accordance with engineering intent.
• Support senior project engineers and serve as a lead project engineer on assigned projects when required.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field and 2+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Experience using CAD software and engineering design tools.
• Intermediate knowledge of aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Ability to independently solve engineering problems with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel periodically to local and remote locations for installations, testing, and project meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing aircraft structures, payload integrations, or aerospace systems.
• Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural repair techniques.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and structural modeling.
• Experience supporting prototype development, flight testing, and hardware integration programs.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and quality systems.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping techniques.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to traverse office, manufacturing, hangar, and testing facilities as required.