Vehicle Design Engineer II

Specter Aerospace; Peabody (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace innovation is seeking a talented Vehicle Design Engineer II to join their team. This role offers the chance to design and optimize cutting-edge hypersonic vehicles, contributing to both defense and commercial applications. You will engage in hands-on design, collaborate with experts, and participate in exciting test activities. With a focus on lightweight structures and advanced propulsion technologies, this position promises a dynamic work environment where your contributions will directly influence the future of high-speed flight. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aerospace design or a Master's degree.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design and material selection.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize hypersonic vehicle subsystems and components.
• Conduct mechanical analyses to ensure lightweight structures perform under loads.
• Create documentation of design decisions and performance outcomes.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Design for Manufacture

Mechanical Analysis

Collaboration Skills

Project Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

NX

StarCCM

CFD++

Vulcan

Simsolid

NASTRAN

Job description

Vehicle Design Engineer II

Job Summary:

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Design Engineer focused on design and optimization of prototype supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. A successful candidate will have experience in mechanical design, design for manufacture, and mechanical analysis. They will have the opportunity to design subsystems and complete vehicles, and participate in test activities, for Specter’s advanced high speed flight systems.

About Specter Aerospace:

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role & Responsibilities:

1. Be the Responsible Engineer of major hypersonic vehicle subsystems and structures, with the potential to be the Responsible Engineer for complete hypersonic vehicle configurations.
2. Design vehicle configurations and components using aerospace design best practices, proprietary optimization tools, and test and analysis data.
3. Conduct detailed design and mechanical analyses as needed to ensure lightweight structures perform under expected loads.
4. Work with other design engineers, analysists, and component REs to ensure all necessary systems are integrated on hypersonic vehicles.
5. Create documentation of requirements, design decisions, analyses, and performance outcomes for vehicles and subsystems.
6. Help conduct freejet and flight tests for supersonic and hypersonic vehicles.
7. Take part in technical meetings, engage in technical discussions, and contribute perspectives.
8. Other duties as assigned by the company.

Job Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
2. 2+ years of relevant full time experience OR Master’s degree in a relevant field.
3. Experience with CAD (Solidworks or NX).
4. Previous aerospace design experience (propulsion or structures).
5. Strong understanding of mechanical design, material selection, and design for manufacture.
6. Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments.
7. Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work.
8. Available for up to 10% travel for test activities.
9. Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

*All new employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Desired Skills:

1. Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
2. CFD and FEA experience with relevant tools (StarCCM, CFD++, Vulcan, Simsolid, NASTRAN).
3. Experience with static and dynamic mechanical systems.
4. Previous experience with Design for Additive Manufacture, and Joining Design.
5. Previous professional OR student team (FSAE, SEDS, AIAA, etc) project experience directly relevant to the requirements for this position.