Space Electronics Test Systems Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate, Experienced and Lead)

The Boeing Company; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boeing Company in El Segundo, CA, is hiring a Space Electronics Mechanical Design Engineer to join the STE team focused on space-grade testing equipment for satellite and defense programs. Onsite, you will lead mechanical design and prototyping activities across the lifecycle, from concept through build and test.

You will work with electrical engineers, perform thermal and structural analyses, and support automated test systems, with opportunities to contribute to high-profile missions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree and US citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.
• BS in Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Aeronautical) or related field.
• Minimum 2 years CAD experience.
• Experience generating drawings/work instructions for technicians.
• Experience with PLM and document release practices.
• Prototyping and troubleshooting in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Define mechanical architecture for STE platforms and space-grade test systems.
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Perform structural, thermal, and tolerance analyses.
• Design thermal management and perform simulations with test validation.
• Lead prototyping: machining, sheet metal, 3D printing.
• Design test fixtures and kinematic mounts for electrical tests.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on PCB constraints and enclosures.
• Support automated test systems integrating motion stages and sensors.
• Prepare design docs, BOMs, and release packages.
• Provide production support during integration and testing.
• Procure mechanical test equipment and evaluate vendors.
• Track tasks and costs with project tools.

Skills

Mechanical design

Space hardware

Thermal management

Prototyping

DFM/DFMA

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

PLM tools

LabVIEW

TestStand

Python

C#

Job description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems is currently hiring a Space Electronics Test Systems Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate, Experienced and Lead) to join us as part of our Special Test Equipment for Space Electronics team located in El Segundo, CA.

The Special Test Equipment (STE) team at The Boeing Company's Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, California is seeking all levels of Electrical Engineers with skills and familiarity in Power/Digital and RF/Mixed Signal Systems for Space Applications. Our team is a critical part of Boeing's mission, ensuring the reliability and performance of advanced space electronics through the design, development, and validation of state-of-the-art testing equipment.

Our engineers work on a variety of space-grade electronics, from power and digital subsystems to RF/mixed signal systems. The STE team is responsible for the cradle-to-grave design, build, validation, and support of the specialized test equipment that ensures these flight products and systems perform as intended in their extreme operating environments.

The Special Test Equipment (STE) team plays a pivotal role in the realization of Boeing's groundbreaking space initiatives, but also supports the entirety of the Boeing Defense and Security product line and even some Boeing Commercial Aviation products. As part of our collective efforts, you will contribute to diverse projects ranging from cutting-edge satellite communication systems to advanced exploration ventures. Your expertise will have a direct impact on crucial missions, such as the development of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system - a high capacity satellite communications system for the United States Defense Department; the X-37B - an unmanned, reusable spaceplane; the CST-100 Starliner - a spacecraft designed to transport crew to the International Space Station and private space stations of the future, and many more space based missions!

Moreover, your contribution will not be limited to Earth's orbit. We also conduct interplanetary missions, like the Lunar Gateway - a small spaceship in orbit around the moon that astronauts will use as a staging point for lunar surface expeditions and trips to Mars. In the ever-evolving arena of space technology, the STE team will also participate in research and development initiatives focusing on futuristic technologies such as advanced propulsion systems, spaceborne telescopes, and spacecraft for asteroid mining and space-based solar power systems. Joining our team means not only contributing to tangible space missions but also shaping the future of space exploration. Here at Boeing, you're not just starting a job; you're advancing your career in ways that will align with your aspirations and passions. It's more than a place to work; it's a place to fulfil your potential and passion for space technology.

Position Responsibilities

(All engineers will participate and work within the below scope of work appropriate to their technical capabilities)

• Define mechanical architecture for STE platforms, including enclosures, fixtures, harness routing, mounting and alignment systems, thermal control hardware, vibration/test interfaces, and integration hardware for space‑grade test systems. Lead hands‑on development from concept through build and test.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings, assembly instructions, and technician work instructions to support fabrication, assembly, and acceptance testing.
• Perform mechanical analyses and modeling (structural, modal, thermal, tolerance stack‑up, and fit/function) to predict performance and ensure compliance with space and test environment requirements. Use appropriate tools (FEA, thermal simulation, tolerance tools).
• Design and implement thermal management solutions for STE and DUT (device under test), including conduction, convection, radiation path design, heat sink/fan selection, and thermal interface materials. Perform thermal simulations and validate with test data.
• Lead prototyping activities: machine shop fabrication, sheet metal, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and rapid iteration. Troubleshoot and refine mechanical designs through hands‑on testing.
• Design test fixtures, mechanical interfaces, kinematic mounts, and COTS selections (connectors, fasteners, enclosures, EMI shielding) to support electrical test procedures and instrument integration.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to support PCB mechanical constraints, board standoffs, connectors, and routing. Provide layout guidance for enclosure clearances, cooling, and serviceability. Familiarity with PCB layout and constraints is valuable.
• Support development and implementation of automated test systems by integrating mechanical motion stages, switches, sensors, and actuators with control software (LabVIEW, TestStand, Python, C#, etc.). Design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFMA).
• Participate in lab testing and debugging using electronics lab instrumentation to diagnose mechanical‑electrical integration issues, vibration/shock problems, thermal anomalies, and assembly errors.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, drawings, BOMs, and release packages using PLM tools and document control/verification processes.
• Provide technical support during production, environmental qualification, and flight‑unit integration. Troubleshoot anomalies discovered during integration, test, delivery, and operational use.
• Recommend procurement of mechanical test equipment, tooling, and COTS hardware; evaluate vendors and prepare procurement specifications.
• Track project tasks, schedules, and costs using project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) to ensure on‑time delivery.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

This worksite participates in Boeing’s optional 9/80 schedule rotation. 9/80 is a rotation in which employees can work 9 hour shifts, 8 days per pay period (bi-weekly) and receive every other Friday off.

Travel may be required up to 10% of the time; Domestically depending on business needs.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance Post-Start is required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience using CAD software
• Experience generating drawings and work instructions for technicians
• Experience using PLM tools and document release/control practices
• Ability to participate in or lead hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting in a lab environment

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Experienced , Level 3: 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Lead, Level 4: 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• GD&T Experience
• Experience with 3D printing and modeling
• Familiarity with common commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for electronic systems (i.e. connectors, enclosures, etc.)
• Familiarity