Mechanical Engineer

Psionic•Hampton, VA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Psionic, Inc. is seeking an early career Mechanical Engineer to help develop innovative, production‑ready instrumentation for next‑generation electro‑optics systems. The ideal candidate brings a diverse, hands‑on background in mechanical engineering and electro‑optical instrumentation and will complement our on‑site team in Hampton, Virginia. This role focuses on developing next‑generation lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to design, analyze, prototype, and test mechanical and electromechanical subsystems that meet rigorous aerospace and defense standards. Responsibilities include creating CAD models, performing structural and thermal analyses, supporting prototyping and assembly, and validating designs through analysis and test. The role requires applying core principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, and materials science. Our systems must operate reliably under demanding environmental conditions. The candidate will verify product performance through modeling and testing. Projects span lab demonstrations, field measurement campaigns, prototype development, and transitioning designs into manufacturing.

Requirements

BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
0–5 years of hands‑on engineering experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and experience designing and analyzing mechanical and optomechanical systems.
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
Ability to learn new skills and adapt to emerging technologies.
Experience with systems engineering principles and full life‑cycle product development.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose issues during product testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the design, development, calibration, and deployment of advanced electronic measurement or instrumentation systems-particularly for laboratory, aero, or space‑flight applications-is a plus.
Structural and thermal analysis experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop mechanical and electromechanical products by interpreting customer requirements, researching manufacturing and assembly methods, evaluating materials, and incorporating operator feedback.
Create 3D CAD models and detailed drawings that account for manufacturability, harsh‑environment performance, and cost.
Analyze designs to ensure compliance with structural, thermal, and environmental requirements.
Ensure product and system quality by developing test methods, verifying performance, and validating fabrication, assembly, and installation processes.
Prepare clear, concise engineering reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical data and trends.
Communicate engineering information effectively through written documentation and oral presentations.
Maintain product and company compliance with applicable government regulations.
Serve as the mechanical and structural lead for assembly and manufacturing, including documentation, technician training, and hands‑on guidance.
Contribute to overall system success by applying mechanical engineering expertise, identifying interface issues, collaborating effectively with other disciplines, and supporting hardware development for space‑flight and defense systems.