Mid-level Mechanical/Test Engineer

Blackve; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BlackVe, Inc in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Mid-Level Mechanical and Test Engineer to design, analyze, and implement spacecraft mechanical systems. You will contribute to ground support equipment and structural subsystems while supporting rapid prototyping and test activities.

The role covers vibration, acoustic, and modal testing, test planning, data analysis, and collaboration with design teams to ensure testability and mission‑level compliance. Local candidates preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in mechanical testing (vibration, acoustic, modal) for aerospace/spacecraft systems.
• Experience with national security or defense systems in aerospace/spacecraft context.
• Proficiency with mechanical testing methods and instrumentation (vibration, acoustic, strain gauges).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment design for the BlackVe system.
• Perform vibration, acoustic, and modal testing of spacecraft systems and components.
• Develop detailed test plans, objectives, procedures, and equipment setup.
• Analyze test results, interpret data, and generate reports with recommendations.
• Operate and maintain testing equipment (shaker tables, acoustic chambers, modal systems).
• Collaborate with design teams to review designs and ensure testability and compliance.
• Prepare and maintain test documentation and compliance verification.

Skills

Vibration testing

Acoustic testing

Modal analysis

Test data analysis

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Vibration test systems

Acoustic chambers

Strain gauges / accelerometers

Job description

BlackVe, Inc is a dynamic and innovative national security‑focused space company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering excellence for our exceptional customers.

Job Description

As a Mid‑Level Mechanical and Test Engineer at BlackVe, Inc, you will be an integral part of our dynamic engineering team, responsible for designing, analyzing, and implementing space system mechanical systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and developing critical spacecraft mechanisms, ground support equipment and overall structural subsystems. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in mechanical testing techniques and a passion for space systems, particularly those supporting national security applications. You will be required to assist in prototyping and operations support as we push innovations at speed for our customers. Additionally, you will be responsible for key structural static and dynamic analysis for all phases of the spacecraft life cycle to include test, transport, launch and on‑orbit deployments.

You will be part of building a culture that rewards innovation and risk‑taking, uses rapid prototyping, is backed by engineering rigor, aggressively works to solve customer problems, drives personal ownership and accountability, and embraces a positive environment of openness and respect. The position requires location in Albuquerque, NM.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Design: Perform conceptual and detailed design of ground support equipment in support of the overall BlackVe system. This includes working with production and manufacturing to streamline and execute system test.
• Mechanical Testing: Perform vibration, acoustic, and modal testing of spacecraft systems and components to ensure they meet rigorous mission and environmental requirements.
• Test Planning and Execution: Develop detailed test plans, including test objectives, procedures, and equipment setup, ensuring tests are executed efficiently and safely.
• Test Data Analysis: Analyze test results, interpret data, and generate reports that summarize findings, identify issues, and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Test Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain testing equipment, including shaker tables, acoustic chambers, and modal testing systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability in testing.
• Collaboration with Design Teams: Work closely with mechanical design and systems engineers to review designs and provide test feedback to ensure testability and compliance with spacecraft requirements.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain test documentation, including test procedures, reports, and compliance verification documents.
• Problem Solving: Identify and troubleshoot mechanical or structural issues that arise during testing and recommend solutions to mitigate risks.
• Risk Assessment: Participate in risk management activities, including identifying potential risks to mission success during testing and developing mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in mechanical testing, specifically vibration, acoustic, and modal testing for aerospace, defense, or spacecraft systems.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• National Security Systems Experience: Experience working with or supporting national security or defense systems, particularly in the aerospace or spacecraft industry.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with mechanical testing methods, including vibration testing (random, sine, shock), acoustic testing, and modal analysis.
• Familiarity with test equipment and instrumentation used in spacecraft testing (e.g., vibration test systems, acoustic chambers, strain gauges, accelerometers).
• Experience with test data analysis software such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders. Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications in testing and quality assurance, such as Six.
• Experience with Spacecraft Systems: Hands‑on experience testing spacecraft or satellite systems, particularly in areas relevant to national security applications.
• Familiarity with Test Standards: Knowledge of testing standards such as MIL‑STD, NASA, or other industry standards for aerospace and defense systems.
• Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies as they relate to spacecraft testing.
• Security Clearance: Active DoD Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and innovation to meet the most pressing needs of our national security customers.
• Small, dynamic, high performing team in a collaborative, inclusive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including flexible time off; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with non‑elective company matching, stock options.

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(A)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.