We are seeking a Senior Launch Vehicle Design Engineer I to our team. In this role, you will work across multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges, drive system-level design trades, and ensure mission success through rigorous analysis, testing, and validation.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design, analysis, and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, stage interfaces, and payload accommodations.
- Perform static and transient structural and thermal analysis of LV components and systems to ensure mechanical integrity under operational loads.
- Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs.
- Prepare CAD models for FEA analysis and manufacturing.
- Generate technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and contributions to PDRs and CDRs.
- Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems.
- Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding and professional development.
- Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 4+ years of industry experience in aerospace design and analysis.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX).
- Strong foundation in systems engineering principles, requirements flowdown, and integration.
- Expertise in Ansys tools: Mechanical, Explicit Dynamics (LS-Dyna), Linear and Nonlinear Eigenvalue Buckling, Harmonic Response, and Random Vibrations.
- Hands-on experience with hardware development, testing, and qualification.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Prior experience with cryogenic systems, liquid rocket systems, and LV components.
- Hands-on experience designing and improving LV hardware.
- Knowledge of manufacturing and technological processes for aerospace parts.
- Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices.
- Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment.
- MATLAB for programming, data analysis, and optimization.