2026 Graduate - Mechanical Engineer - Space Science Instrumentation

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer ready to take on new challenges as part of our team leading the design, development, integration, and delivery of spaceflight hardware for both civil space exploration and national security missions. You will work alongside systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers, in partnership with our companion group, SRX, which provides electronics, FPGA, firmware, and software expertise. Together, we design, analyze, build, integrate, test, and deliver high-performance spaceflight instruments and payloads that operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our work spans the complete program lifecycle—from concept development and proposal efforts through design, fabrication, environmental qualification, integration, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Our programs support NASA's science portfolio, including missions such as Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and future flagship missions, while also advancing innovative technologies and operational capabilities for Department of War and other national security space missions.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
Are familiar with PTC and/or Solidworks CAD software.
Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
Have strong technical experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
Are willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to NASA facilities and sub-contractor sites.
Are willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
Are willing and able to ultimately obtain Top Secret SCI level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.
U.S. Citizenship status is required, subject to applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

Possess a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
Have hands-on experience with hardware integration and/or testing.
Have experience with structural and thermal analysis.
Have basic knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Design, draft, and oversee fabrication of parts and sub-assemblies.
Perform mechanical analyses and/or interface with thermal and stress engineers to verify design integrity.
Design mechanical GSE and test fixtures.
Work closely with scientists to determine appropriate mechanical requirements.
Provide input to instrument proposals and assist in development of new and/or improved instrument concepts.