Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

avav; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

9/80 work schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a senior mechanical engineer in California to lead structural and thermal analysis for space hardware. The role involves designing and analyzing mechanical systems, coordinating with a multi‑disciplinary team, and supporting integration and formal test activities.

Responsibilities include performing FEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis, while leveraging CAD tools (SolidWorks) for robust packaging of high‑reliability electronics and opto‑mechanical mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering required.
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in space hardware design, analysis, integration and test.
• Strong CAD experience, preferably SolidWorks; familiarity with GD&T and tolerance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural and thermal analysis of mechanical systems for space hardware.
• Perform CAD‑driven design and generate engineering drawings in SolidWorks.
• Conduct tolerance analysis and apply GD&T practices.
• Support integration and formal acceptance testing of assemblies and subsystems.
• Engage in packaging high‑reliability electronics and opto‑mechanical mechanisms.
• Collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team and contribute to design reviews.

Skills

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

SolidWorks

GD&T

Space hardware

Technical writing

Security clearance

Project leadership

Education

B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

FEA

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space‑qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can’t fail. Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before – the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now.

You'd Like to Do This

We are seeking a senior level mechanical engineer to provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small‑volume production contracts. The selected candidates would be expected to lead the structural and thermal analysis of mechanical systems for space and airborne hardware, work within a multi‑disciplined project team, be responsible for mechanical design and analysis activity, and support integration and formal acceptance‑test activities. Projects vary from packaging high‑reliability electronics subsystems to opto‑mechanical mechanism design such as gimbal and steering mirror systems.

You're Required to Have This

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 8 years’ mechanical engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Structural and thermal analysis including analytical calculations and FEA (stress analysis, modal analysis, thermal conduction analysis, bolt loads, etc.).
  • Design using CAD software, ideally experience with SolidWorks.
  • Tolerance analysis and GD&T practices.
  • Space hardware design, analysis, integration, and test.
• Strong technical writing skills applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in mechanical engineering of space systems.
• Strong verbal communication skills needed for customer interaction at design reviews, supplier interaction, etc.
• Ability to quickly adapt to various projects and types of work and to work several projects simultaneously while managing time and priorities.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a development team.
• Experience and willingness to be hands on during hardware assembly, integration, and test.
• Current US security clearance.

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. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

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.