Design Engineer II

The Design Engineer II is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of solutions that support the manufacturing, testing, handling, transportation, and delivery of aerospace hardware. This role focuses on the design of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), manufacturing kitting systems, assembly fixtures, shipping containers, and protective packaging solutions that ensure sensitive flight and non-flight hardware remains protected throughout its lifecycle.

The successful candidate will possess strong mechanical design skills, proficiency in Solid Works or equivalent CAD software, and a thorough understanding of designing for the protection, handling, transportation, and storage of high-value aerospace components and assemblies.

This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, Test Engineering, and Program Management to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect mission-critical hardware.

• Design and develop aerospace Ground Support Equipment used for assembly, integration, testing, transportation, storage, and installation of flight hardware and support systems.
• Create detailed 3D models, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Design equipment that meets safety, ergonomic, structural, and operational requirements.
• Support design reviews, prototype evaluations, and implementation of new GSE into production and test operations.
• Improve existing support equipment to increase reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.

Manufacturing Support & Kitting Systems

• Design kitting boxes, component storage systems, assembly fixtures, workstations, carts, and material handling solutions.
• Develop solutions that support lean manufacturing practices and improve production efficiency.
• Create protective handling fixtures that minimize the risk of damage to sensitive aerospace hardware during assembly and movement.
• Collaborate with technicians and manufacturing personnel to optimize product flow and assembly operations.

Aerospace Packaging & Transportation Design

• Design packaging systems, reusable shipping containers, transport fixtures, foam inserts, protective cases, and custom crating solutions.
• Develop packaging that protects hardware from vibration, shock, electrostatic discharge (ESD), contamination, moisture, and environmental exposure.
• Ensure packaging solutions support domestic and international transportation requirements.
• Conduct engineering assessments to validate structural integrity and protection levels during handling and shipment.
• Support packaging testing, transportation simulations, and failure investigations as required.
• Generate and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and design documentation.
• Create and manage engineering change notices (ECNs) and revision-controlled design packages.
• Develop manufacturing instructions and assembly documentation to support production.
• Maintain compliance with company engineering standards and configuration management processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Integration & Test, and Program teams to define requirements and develop solutions.
• Support root cause investigations involving damaged hardware, handling incidents, packaging failures, and transportation-related issues.
• Participate in design reviews and risk assessments for new products and programs.
• Provide technical support during fabrication, assembly, integration, and shipment activities.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Experience

• 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design, aerospace tooling, fixtures, packaging design, manufacturing engineering, or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience designing fabricated assemblies, support equipment, tooling, fixtures, or transportation systems.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or aerospace production environments preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Solid Works required; experience with Creo, NX, CATIA, Inventor, or similar CAD platforms may be considered.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering drawing creation.
• Experience designing weldments, sheet metal assemblies, machined components, and structural frameworks.
• Ability to create detailed drawings with GD&T in accordance with ASME standards.
• Understanding of…