Lead Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

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.

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 candidate 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.
• Support integration and formal acceptance‑test activities.
• Project work varies from packaging high‑reliability electronics subsystems to opto‑mechanical mechanism design such as gimbal and steering mirror systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 12 years mechanical engineering experience in structural and thermal analysis, including analytical calculations and FEA (stress analysis, modal analysis, thermal conduction analysis, bolt loads, etc.).
• Design using CAD software, ideally with Solid Works.
• 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 U.S. security clearance.

• 15+ 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 U.S. security clearance.

Salary range: $111,500 – $170,000.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings visit .

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”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or be approved for an export license. Current U.S. citizenship is required. Applicants must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Aero Vironment, 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.