Lead Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

AV provides a full suite of space‑qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers rely on AV when a mission can’t fail.

• Provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small‑volume production contracts.
• 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.
• Handle projects ranging 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 one or more of the following areas:
  • Structural and thermal analysis including analytical calculations and FEA (stress analysis, modal analysis, thermal conduction analysis, bolt loads, etc.).
  • Design using CAD software, ideally experience 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 US 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 on 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 US security clearance.

No Clearance

$111,500 - $170,000

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 by the governing agency whose technology falls under its jurisdiction. Current U.S. Citizenship is required. The applicant must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

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.