Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hypersonic Flight Development

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Hypersonic Flight Development

Location: Presque Isle, ME

Salary Range: $175,000 – $225,000

Classification Level: Eligible to Obtain Secret Clearance

VALT Enter prizes, Inc. is revolutionizing aerospace with cutting‑edge hypersonic research and development to pioneer America’s first-of-its-kind hypersonic launch system, combining rocket and air‑breathing propulsion to empower our nation’s warfighters with the tools they need to safeguard our country. We envision a world where access to space is no longer a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all. Our team is driven by data, fueled by passion, and united by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about aerospace innovation and is ready to be at the forefront of hypersonic flight development. This simulation‑heavy role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in high‑stakes environments, solves complex challenges, and excels in rapid, iterative design and testing.

• Collaborate with a cross‑functional team of engineers to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems for hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Apply data‑driven engineering methods to improve designs and overall system performance.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses, including finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to verify integrity and performance under extreme flight conditions.
• Use simulation software such as Ansys Mechanical or ABAQUS to design and optimize structural components for performance, weight, and manufacturability.
• Review and interpret CFD outputs to guide design improvements.
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend updates to designs, materials, and manufacturing methods to improve production capabilities in support of national defense priorities.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation to confirm design performance and identify areas for refinement.
• Communicate technical results, design updates, and solutions clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design reports, simulation results, and test plans.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and lead technical efforts on complex design challenges.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 5–10+ years of hands‑on engineering experience in the aerospace field.
• Proven experience in a simulation‑heavy role, including structural and thermal analyses using FEA and CFD.
• Proficiency in interpreting CFD outputs to inform design and performance improvements.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and materials engineering.
• Proficiency in simulation tools for structural and thermal analysis (e.g., Ansys Mechanical, ABAQUS).
• Strong ability to deliver rapid design iterations under tight deadlines.
• Excellent technical communication skills, with experience presenting engineering findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Self‑starter who can work independently and proactively.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret (TS) security clearance.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of CAD/ Solid Works experience designing structural parts for aerospace applications.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Ansys Mechanical or ABAQUS for advanced structural and thermal simulations.
• Proficiency in additional CAD platforms such as AutoCAD or Fusion 360.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑speed or high‑temperature aerospace platforms – hypersonic or supersonic systems highly desirable.

• Competitive salary (see above).
• Employee Stock Option Program.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Exciting and challenging work environment.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Defense & Space

VALT Enter prizes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.