Mechanical Engineer

CHAOS Industries•El Segundo, CA

45d•Onsite

About The Position

CHAOS is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our team providing hands-on mechanical expertise for the integration of ruggedized electronics, effectors, and mission-critical hardware into ground- and sea-mobile platforms for aerospace and defense applications. In this role, you will support the design and mechanical integration of military electronics and effector systems with critical platform structures and mechanisms, working alongside senior engineers on design challenges ranging from compact electronics enclosures to larger structural or mechanism assemblies. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in mechanical CAD and design principles, hands-on prototyping experience (from coursework, internships, or personal projects), an interest in ruggedized hardware design, and the drive to learn quickly in a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary engineering environment. This is a full-time, on-site position in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (completed or expected within the next few months)
Coursework, internship, co-op, or project experience in mechanical design, structures, or system integration (aerospace/defense exposure a plus but not required)
Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent) for assemblies and top-down design
Foundational understanding of mechanical interfaces, tolerancing, alignment, and installation practices
Exposure to structural analysis methods (hand calculations, FEA) through coursework or projects
Strong communication skills and eagerness to learn from senior engineers in a multi-project environment
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Nice To Haves

Coursework or project experience related to ruggedized hardware, military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810), or environmental qualification
Experience with mechanisms and actuation systems, including linkages, bearings, motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, gimbals, or rotary joints (e.g., from capstone projects, clubs, or competitions)
Familiarity with at least one commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes, COMSOL, etc.)
Hands-on prototyping experience, including additive manufacturing, CNC machining, or other fabrication techniques (e.g., through robotics teams, maker clubs, or personal projects)
Familiarity with military-style connectors (e.g., mil-circular 38999, ARINC, micro-D)
Involvement in relevant engineering clubs, competitions (e.g., SAE, Formula SAE, robotics teams), or research projects

Responsibilities

Support technical leadership and hands-on prototyping and mechanical integration of mission systems: electronics, enclosures, effectors, launchers, mechanisms, and support equipment into ground- and sea-mobile platforms
Assist in the design of mechanical structures, frames, mounts, enclosures, and mechanisms subject to shock, vibration, thermal, and environmental constraints
Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and interface control documentation (ICDs) to support multi-disciplinary system integration
Perform first-order structural and thermal analyses and requirements allocations under the guidance of senior engineers to ensure compliance with customer requirements and applicable military standards
Support system-level integration, qualification, and acceptance activities, including installation, alignment, and fit-check efforts
Assist as a technical hardware interface with customers, platform providers, suppliers, and manufacturing partners
Support production transition, configuration control, and fielded system sustainment, including investigation of integration issues