Job at a glance
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the design, development, and rapid integration of mechanical systems supporting advanced aerospace propulsion applications. This role requires a hands-on engineer capable of moving quickly from concept to prototype to fieldable system, often under compressed timelines and evolving requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, balances analytical rigor with practical execution, and is comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Duties/Responsibilities: • Lead mechanical design of complex assemblies, including enclosures, mounting structures, thermal solutions, and structural components. • Develop designs from concept through detailed design, prototype fabrication, and test. • Perform trade studies for weight, strength, thermal performance, manufacturability, and cost. • Create and maintain 3D CAD models, drawings, and technical data packages (TDPs).
• Drive rapid build-test-iterate cycles with a focus on speed and performance. • Support hands-on integration of hardware. • Work closely with electrical, systems, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration. • Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues during lab and field testing. • Conduct structural, thermal, and vibration analyses (FEA/hand calculations). • Support environmental qualification aligned with standards such as MIL-STD-810.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance and durability. • Interface with fabrication resources (machine shops, additive manufacturing, vendors). • Ensure designs are manufacturable and support low-rate initial production (LRIP). • Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA). • Support program milestones including SRR, PDR, CDR, and test readiness reviews.
• Provide technical leadership within Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). • Estimate effort, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies. • Contribute to technical reports, proposal efforts, and technical planning for new programs. Supervisory Responsibilities: · Represent Albers Aerospace on-site at the customer facility. · Mentor and manage onboarding activities for new team members. · Support the development of training products and present training.
· May lead small engineering teams to support larger projects. Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time. The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Required Skills/Abilities: · Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX). • Experience with rapid prototyping methods (CNC, 3D printing, sheet metal, composites).
• Familiarity with environmental and durability requirements for defense systems. • Ability to work hands-on in a lab or integration environment. • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/hold a security clearance. Desired Skills/Abilities: · Familiarity with project management principles (although this position requires daily Mechanical Engineering expertise and technical execution). Education, Experience and Certifications Required: Minimum: · Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace, defense or a closely related discipline. Preferred: · Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. · 8+ years of experience in the field or related area. · Active security clearance. Physical Requirements: · Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. · While primarily an office job, may require time at a manufacturing facility or other location.
· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. · CONUS travel may be required from time to time.