Mechanical Engineering DE Analysis, Mid-level to Senior

AV; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment, based in California, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with strong engineering analysis background to support directed energy systems. The role emphasizes analysis, design, integration, and qualification of mechanical hardware for defense applications, with opportunities for senior leadership.

The ideal candidate will perform structural, thermal, dynamic analyses, and work across mechanical, electrical, optical, and test teams to deliver robust designs from concept through

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• US citizenship required due to the Government program we support.
• Mid-Level: typically 3+ years of relevant mechanical engineering and analysis experience.
• Senior-Level: typically 7+ years with ownership of complex analysis tasks or leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical engineering analysis for directed energy systems and subsystems.
• Develop, review, and validate analytical models for static/dynamic structural performance, vibration, and thermal management.
• Correlate analytical predictions with test data and update models accordingly.
• Conduct trade studies to optimize weight, strength, stiffness, and thermal performance.
• Prepare CAD models, drawings, analysis reports, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to translate analysis into practical designs.
• Lead analysis reviews, mentor engineers, and supervise complex tasks as senior.

Skills

Engineering analysis

Finite element analysis

Thermal analysis

Structural analysis

Vibration dynamics

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Patran

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Position Summary

AeroVironment is seeking a **Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in engineering analysis** to support the development of advanced directed energy systems. This role will focus on the analysis, design, integration, and qualification of complex mechanical and electromechanical hardware used in high-performance defense applications.

The ideal candidate will have experience applying structural, thermal, dynamic, and mechanical engineering principles to systems operating in demanding environments. The engineer will work closely with systems, electrical, optical, controls, manufacturing, and test teams to develop robust designs from concept through production.

This position may be filled at the mid-level or senior level, depending on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and demonstrated leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical engineering analysis supporting the design and development of directed energy systems and subsystems.
• Develop, review, and validate analytical models for:
• Static and dynamic structural performance
• Vibration, shock, and acoustic environments
• Modal response and resonance
• Thermal management and heat transfer
• Thermomechanical behavior
• Fatigue, fracture, and durability
• Loads, stiffness, and structural margins
• Mechanisms, joints, mounts, and precision alignment features
• Use finite element analysis and other engineering tools to evaluate component and system performance.
• Define analysis assumptions, boundary conditions, material properties, load cases, and acceptance criteria.
• Correlate analytical predictions with test data and update models based on observed hardware performance.
• Conduct trade studies to optimize designs for weight, strength, stiffness, thermal performance, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Support the development of mechanical architectures, components, assemblies, and subsystem designs.
• Create and review CAD models, engineering drawings, analysis reports, specifications, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate with design engineers to translate analysis results into practical design improvements.
• Participate in design reviews, requirements development, configuration management, and technical peer reviews.
• Analyze test results, investigate failures or anomalies, and perform root-cause assessments.
• Support prototype fabrication, hardware integration, qualification testing, and transition to production.
• Work with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and test organizations to resolve technical issues.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to engineering leadership and program stakeholders.
• At the senior level, provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and lead analysis activities for major subsystems or projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• US citizenship required due to the Government program we support
• Mid-Level: Typically 3 or more years of relevant mechanical engineering and analysis experience.
• Senior-Level: Typically 7 or more years of relevant experience, including ownership of complex analysis tasks or technical leadership.
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical engineering analysis for complex aerospace, defense, or industrial systems.
• Experience with finite element analysis and structural/thermal mechanics.
• Working knowledge of thermal analysis, vibration, shock, dynamics, and material behavior.
• Experience developing engineering models and documenting analytical methods, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Experience correlating analytical predictions with test results or hardware performance.
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles, GD&T, tolerance analysis, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with SolidWorks and engineering documentation practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong written, verbal, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required.
• Ability to comply with applicable export-control regulations, including ITAR requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with directed energy systems, high-power laser systems, electro-optical systems, precision pointing systems, or stabilized platforms.
• Experience with structural and thermal analysis of high-power electronics, lasers, optical systems, or energy-storage systems.
• Experience using tools such as:
• ANSYS
• Abaqus
• NASTRAN / Patran
• MATLAB
• Experience with coupled thermal-structural, nonlinear, transient, or dynamic analysis.
• Experience with fatigue, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, or reliability analysis.
• Experience analyzing airborne, ground, maritime, or other ruggedized defense systems.
• Familiarity with environmental qualification testing and applicable aerospace or military standards.
• Experience with precision mechanisms, gimbals, optical benches, vibration isolation, or alignment‑critical assemblies.
• Experience leading analysis reviews, technical investigations, or multidisciplinary development efforts.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and coordinating work across technical teams.

Key Competencies

• Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, heat transfer, dynamics, and structural analysis.
• Ability to assess the validity and limitations of analytical models.
• Sound engineering judgment and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to convert analysis results into clear, actionable design recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to balance analytical rigor with program cost and schedule objectives.
• Effective collaboration across mechanical, electrical, optical, systems, manufacturing, and test disciplines.
• Ability to work independently on challenging technical problems.
• Commitment to product quality, mission success, and continuous improvement.

Level Expectations

• Mid‑Level Mechanical Engineer
• Independently performs assigned structural, thermal, or mechanical analyses.
• Develops models, evaluates results, and documents technical conclusions.
• Supports design decisions, testing, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Works with senior engineers to resolve complex technical issues.
• Develops increasing ownership of subsystem-level analysis activities.
• Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Leads analysis efforts for complex components, subsystems, or systems.
• Establishes analysis approaches, methods, requirements, and technical direction.
• Reviews and approves models, results, assumptions, and analysis reports.Drives correlation between analysis and test and leads resolution of discrepancies.
• Provides technical leadership during design reviews and qualification activities.
• Mentors junior engineers and coordinates analysis activities across disciplines.
• Contributes to program planning, risk management, proposals, and technical strategy.

Education and Experience Leveling

The final position level, scope, and compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s education, relevant experience, technical expertise, leadership capability, and program needs.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, and flexible work schedule options. Depending on your business unit, role, and customer contract requirements, select programs may offer a 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.