Space Electronics Mechanical Engineer – Entry-Level

paid time off, short term disability, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

Sep 28, 2026

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Requisition : 1883
Position Location: Sterling, VA
Position

Reports To:

Senior Director, Hardware Engineering
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

The Mechanical Engineer (level
1) is an early career engineering role that supports the design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems. Working under the guidance of senior and principal mechanical engineers, this role contributes to the mechanical design of enclosures, card guides, brackets, thermal solutions, and related hardware for space, aerospace, and defense applications.

The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, is comfortable using 3D CAD tools, and is eager to learn how to design and qualify hardware for challenging environments. This role offers hands on experience throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and modeling through drawing release, build support, and environmental testing.

• Assist in the mechanical design and modeling of electronic assemblies, enclosures, and supporting hardware using 3D CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works).
• Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction of more senior engineers.
• Perform basic structural and thermal analyses (hand calculations and introductory FEA) to support design decisions, with mentorship and review.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
• Participate in design and peer reviews, incorporating feedback to improve design quality and documentation.
• Support prototype builds and integration activities, including coordinating with manufacturing, reviewing build issues, and implementing minor design changes.
• Assist with environmental and qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum), including fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
• Work closely with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements and integration constraints.
• Follow Trident's configuration management and PDM/PLM processes for release and change control of mechanical artifacts.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and suggesting incremental process or tool enhancements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET accredited program.
• 0-2 years of relevant mechanical design experience (internship, co-op, or project experience acceptable for new graduates).
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Solid Works preferred, or similar).
• Familiarity with fundamental mechanical engineering concepts such as statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, and basic structural/thermal analysis.
• Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings; exposure to GD&T concepts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to take directions from senior engineers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Internship or co-op experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics packaging.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock).
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management practices.
• Exposure to space or high reliability electronics packaging (e.g., conduction…