Senior Mechanical Engineer (Kick Stage)

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, test, and document innovative structures; example systems include primary structure weldments, tank internal fluid/structural devices, payload attachment fittings, and stage propulsion/avionics integration hardware 
• Steer system definition, layout, requirements, and verification
• Support first article build through the ramp to production in collaboration with the manufacturing team, rolling in DFM and reliability improvements
• Support development and qualification test campaigns in collaboration with the test team, creating test plans to gather key learnings and demonstrate flightworthiness
• Establish driving load cases and environments in collaboration with the loads/dynamics and thermal teams
• Collaborate effectively with partner teams (such as propulsion, avionics, and GNC) to create a high performing, integrated system
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing structural aerospace hardware
• Strong knowledge of strength and stability hand calculations for structural sizing and model validation 
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods 
• Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and joining methods
• Proficiency with CAD software and assembly management 
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams 
• Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing highly performant structures with space-flown hardware
• Experience with aerospace aluminum welding, inspection, and allowables development
• Experience with composite primary or secondary structure design, analysis, and testing
• Experience with payload accommodations, testing, and validation
• Experience with structural testing, validation, and correlation methods
• Experience working on a launch vehicle development effort
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Ansys and FEMAP