Mechanical Design Engineer

This role focuses on the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for propulsion and aerospace applications, with particular emphasis on high-temperature materials, pressure vessels, and rocket motor or missile systems. You will take technical ownership of complex, mission-critical systems tied to defense, national security, space technology, and missile defense, contributing to meaningful, high-stakes engineering work in a culture that values innovation, curiosity, and hands-on problem solving.

This role focuses on the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for propulsion and aerospace applications, with particular emphasis on high-temperature materials, pressure vessels, and rocket motor or missile systems. You will take technical ownership of complex, mission-critical systems tied to defense, national security, space technology, and missile defense, contributing to meaningful, high-stakes engineering work in a culture that values innovation, curiosity, and hands-on problem solving.

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for propulsion and aerospace applications, including pressure vessels and rocket motor or missile hardware.
• Perform engineering trade studies that balance pressure, temperature, weight, manufacturability, and reliability to optimize system performance.
• Support design, analysis, testing, troubleshooting, and qualification activities across the product lifecycle.
• Evaluate and select materials for high-temperature and demanding operating environments, ensuring compatibility and long-term reliability.
• Develop solutions for sealing technologies, including O-ring design and pressure containment systems, to meet stringent performance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and drive products through development, testing, and qualification.
• Participate in technical reviews, failure investigations, and root-cause analysis to improve designs and prevent recurrence of issues.
• Contribute to engineering problem-solving activities, offering creative and practical solutions to complex mechanical design challenges.
• Work independently and proactively, managing tasks and priorities in a remote or distributed environment while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience at a sr. or principal level.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong understanding of pressure vessel design, associated challenges, and propulsion-related applications.
• Expertise in sealing technologies and O-ring design for high-pressure, high-temperature systems.
• Deep knowledge of high-temperature materials, material selection, and compatibility in demanding environments.
• Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals and engineering best practices.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote environment while meeting technical and schedule commitments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering and program teams.

• Experience with solid rocket motors or propulsion systems, including design, development, and testing.
• Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, particularly in propulsion, missile defense, or space technology.
• Hands-on experience with rocket motor design, development, and qualification testing.
• Experience conducting qualification testing, failure investigations, and root-cause analysis for complex mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with high-temperature operating environments and material compatibility challenges.
• Exposure to propulsion system temperature controls and related analysis software tools.
• Experience using mechanical CAD and design tools such as Creo and applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) in detailed drawings.
• Interest in working on mission-critical systems with a focus on innovation, curiosity, impact, and a culture of doers, thinkers, and builders.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $96.15/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related…