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Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

AeroVironment
Albuquerque, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Mar 2026
💰 $105,525/yr($74,500/yr$105,525/yr)

About the role

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

 

Our AV team is expanding and in search of an experienced Mechanical Engineer. This will include all levels and facets of design from conceptual clear through the detailed design and will include building and testing of these systems.

We are seeking a mid-career mechanical engineer to provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts. You 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.

Position Responsibilities

  • Design structural components, electro-mechanical design, payload mechanical design, ground equipment mechanical design, launching systems, flight control actuators integration, thermal analysis, prototype hardware development, tooling & fixtures design

  • Design work shall be accomplished using CAD tools (SolidWorks), simulation tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS), and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, etc.)

  • Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors

  • Develop manufacturing drawings and bills of materials for components and assemblies using industry drafting standards, supporting design reviews, assisting project managers with the planning and scheduling of engineering work, and supporting manufacturing & suppliers with the production of components & assemblies

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

  • Minimum 2-5 years of experience designing complex mechanical systems with demonstrated transition to functional hardware

  • Experience in designing the following types of parts: machined parts, simple composite parts, plastic injection molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies, mechanical assemblies

  • Hands-on building/prototyping experience as it pertains to lightweight miniature robotic systems or similar

  • Experience designing electro-mechanical systems with thermodynamic constraints

  • Demonstrated competence in mechanical engineering process and design/analysis tools

  • Proven experience in creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards

  • Proficient at SolidWorks as well as office software such as MS Office

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with SolidWorks EPDM is preferred

  • Experience in designing tooling or test equipment is preferred

  • Demonstrated competency in solving basic structural dynamics problems

  • Understanding of engineering configuration management processes and material properties

  • Understanding of environmental testing, including shock and vibration

  • Current U.S DOD Secret security clearance


Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$74,500 - $105,525

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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

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Company

AeroVironment

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