Senior Mechanical Engineer I, Off-Planet Systems

ICON is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to assist in our Strategic R&D efforts.  As the Mechanical Engineer for Off-Planet Robotics, you will be responsible for the development of conceptual and detailed designs of spacecraft and planetary systems, conducting trade studies and ideation exercises, participating in our design review and systems engineering processes, and ultimately fly the hardware you have designed.  This role is based locally in ICON’s Austin, TX laboratories, and will report to the Senior Director of Off-Planet Systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute in the development of a robotic platform for construction applications, focusing on motion platforms and dynamic fluid systems.


• Design and create prototypes using in-house and external fabrication


• Specify robotic servo-driven actuators using industry standards for aerospace applications, including mobile (rover-based) robotics, and large format, long reach robotic actuators.


• Run FEA and CFD analysis to provide safe and reliable engineered solutions for use in space.


• Provide hands-on, troubleshooting, and build support as well designing, implementing, and integrating solutions in a fast-paced environment with a quick AGILE development cycle.


• Create design solutions utilizing engineering methods with good documentation processes


• Collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to procure, fabricate, test, and ultimately fly the hardware you have designed.


• Perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basis (e.g. Transition from office work to field work at a moment’s notice)


• Establish individual and team goals consistent with overall company OKRs


• Mentor engineers in their career development

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.


• 8+ years of recent experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.


• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D modeling tools.


• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.


• Strong understanding of optical principles, opto-mechanical design, and space environmental considerations. 


• Strong thermal analysis skills.


• Past design experience in extreme thermal environments.


• Familiarity with serial robotic arm operations and design constraints.


• Experience in aerospace actuation design.


• Experience in formal systems engineering: requirements development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification and release.


• Experience in spacecraft systems design.


• Experience in Solidworks.


• Experience in structural FEA and CFD using ANSYS, or similar tools.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and outdoor conditions.


• Physical effort may be required for the handling of supplies or materials (up to 50 lbs unassisted).