Research Mechanical Engineer

HX5, LLC • CA

111d • $80,000 - $150,000

About The Position

HX5 is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Mechanical Engineer to play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge rocket propulsion research and development with our team at the Air Force Research Laboratory located at Edwards AFB, CA. This position will focus on providing engineering support for solid rocket motor testing, including the design, fabrication, and operation of test hardware and instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be proficient in CAD, CAM, and rapid prototyping techniques to create innovative solutions for research test articles. Additionally, the role may involve mechanical testing of solid propellant samples to characterize their mechanical properties. While the primary focus is on engineering support, a working knowledge of solid propellant formulation, characterization, and testing is highly desirable to facilitate collaboration with propellant scientists. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of state-of-the-art solid rocket motor technologies and may serve as an author and present papers at professional settings or organizations such as JANNAF.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET accredited program and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in mechanical design, analysis, and testing.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo), CAM (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360), and rapid prototyping (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining) for research test applications.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with mechanical testing of materials, including sample preparation, test setup, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Basic understanding of rocket propulsion principles and systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in energetic materials or solid rocket propulsion research and development.
• Hands-on experience with CAD/CAM machining, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in mechanical testing and/or rocket motor testing.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS) for structural and thermal analysis.
• Experience with LabVIEW or other data acquisition software.
• Experience in mechanical testing of polymers or composite materials.
• Holds an active secret clearance.
• Experience supporting DoD programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and fabricate test fixtures, hardware, and components for solid rocket motor testing, utilizing CAD/CAM software and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, CNC machining).
• Provide hands-on support for solid rocket motor testing, including setup, instrumentation, data acquisition, and post-test analysis.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and instrumentation issues during testing and implement correction actions.
• Conduct structural and thermal analysis of rocket motor components using FEA software.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including machining tools, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems.
• Conduct mechanical testing of solid propellant samples to determine material properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity.
• Present results in the form of reports, patents, conference presentations, and/or program reviews.
• Record research activities and compile data according to scientific standards and communicate results effectively to team members, stakeholders, and leadership.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Identity Protection
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter/Transit Spending Accounts
• Group Legal Coverage Options
• Pet Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees