Copy of Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)

Decision Technologies, Inc. • Arlington, VA

8h • $70,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Decision Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to support the Navy’s Terminal Defense Systems program office in Arlington, Virginia, or Louisville, Kentucky. This is a 100% on-site, in-office position and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. The role supports mechanical engineering work on naval missile defense systems, including analyzing supersonic missile aerodynamics and launcher motion dynamics, evaluating thermal problems, and supporting shipboard installations. The engineer will work alongside senior engineers, use digital modeling tools, and contribute to systems progressing from simulation to fleet deployment. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance and must be U.S. citizens.

The position involves 3D CAD modeling and digital prototyping; launcher kinematics and robotic motion analysis; aerodynamic and flight-dynamics assessment; thermal and structural analysis; shipboard mechanical integration; live testing and evaluation; and technical reviews of engineering changes and design documentation. Limited travel is required (less than 10%). Compensation depends on factors including location, education, skills, experience, and contract and organizational requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret clearance.
• Must be eligible for a DoD Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Foundational academic experience with 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or Inventor and simulation tools such as FEA/CFD, MATLAB/Simulink, or ANSYS.
• A solid grasp of statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical vibrations.
• Eagerness to learn complex electromechanical, robotic, and aerodynamic defense systems and military design specifications, and to work across interdisciplinary engineering teams.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and manage detailed 3D CAD assemblies and digital mockups of missile airframes, launching mechanisms, and shipboard interfaces; evaluate dimensional tolerances, mass properties, center-of-gravity shifts, and kinematic clearances.
• Support motion planning, servo-drive integration, and multi-axis kinematic analysis for automated guided missile launchers; analyze mechanical loads, gear-train torque, vibration damping, and dynamic slew rates.
• Assist with assessment of missile external aerodynamics, control-surface actuation, and supersonic flow; review wind-tunnel data, CFD runs, and flight-test trajectory models to identify performance envelopes and optimize maneuverability.
• Perform thermal-transfer and structural finite element analysis; evaluate rocket motor exhaust plumes, aerodynamic heating, electronics heat dissipation, and marine environmental conditions.
• Support mechanical and structural installation of launcher platforms and defensive weapon systems aboard Navy surface combatants; review Ship Installation Drawings, deck structural loading, shock and vibration isolation mounts, and physical interference zones.
• Participate in test planning and range execution for live-fire missile events and robotic launcher qualification tests; review mechanical telemetry to validate engineering models against test results.
• Review OEM Engineering Change Proposals, structural Technical Data Packages, and Interface Control Documents; provide technical feedback on hardware modifications, material substitutions, and manufacturing improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programs.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level