Sr. Mechanical Integration Engineer - Space Technologies

AeroVironment•Albuquerque, NM

2d•$91,000 - $138,750•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a mid-career Mechanical Integration Engineer to provide engineering design, drafting and assembly support to diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts. Projects vary from packaging high reliability electronics subsystems to opto-mechanical mechanism design such as gimbal and steering mirror systems. A Mechanical Integration Engineer bridges the gap between product design and production. They design mechanical components, work with mechanical parts and assemblies on the factory floor for first time builds and improve build efficiency with the Manufacturing engineers. They also collaborate with lead Mechanical engineers, Technical leads and Procurement personnel to finalize drawings, work with Machine shops on technical questions and define inspection plans for critical parts. The role ensures parts are meeting design intent, can be easily manufactured for repeatable lots, and efficiently assembled while maintaining top-tier quality standards.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace engineering
2+ years' experience in one or more of the following areas:
Software Proficiency: design using CAD software, ideally experience with SolidWorks
Technical Knowledge: Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing GD&T, various material properties, and manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC, machining).
Space hardware design, integration, and test
Strong technical writing skills applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.).
Process Methodologies: Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis.

Nice To Haves

5-8 years' experience in mechanical engineering of space systems
Strong verbal communication skills needed for customer interaction at design reviews, supplier interaction, etc.
Ability to quickly adapt to various projects and types of work and to work several projects simultaneously while managing time and priorities
Ability to work independently or as part of a development team
Experience and willingness to be hands on during hardware assembly, integration, and test
Current US security clearance

Responsibilities

Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Modify or refine mechanical designs and 3D CAD models to ensure they can be efficiently mass-produced
Process Integration: Determine the optimal arrangement of assembly lines and production cells to maximize throughput and minimize waste
Tooling & Equipment: Design custom jigs, fixtures, and mechanical tooling to support new product launches and line setups
Quality Control: Establish testing protocols, analyze mechanical tolerances, and use methods like PFMEA to prevent defects
Troubleshooting & Optimization: Perform root-cause analysis on equipment breakdowns or production bottlenecks, and apply Lean or Six Sigma principles to resolve them.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the technical liaison between product designers, supply chain vendors, and assembly line operators.
Other duties as assigned