Senior Launch Vehicle Design Engineer I

We are seeking a Senior Launch Vehicle Design Engineer I to our team. In this role, you will work across multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges, drive system-level design trades, and ensure mission success through rigorous analysis, testing, and validation.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, stage interfaces, and payload accommodations.
• Perform static and transient structural and thermal analysis of LV components and systems to ensure mechanical integrity under operational loads.
• Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs.
• Prepare CAD models for FEA analysis and manufacturing.
• Generate technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and contributions to PDRs and CDRs.
• Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding and professional development.
• Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of industry experience in aerospace design and analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX).
• Strong foundation in systems engineering principles, requirements flowdown, and integration.
• Expertise in Ansys tools: Mechanical, Explicit Dynamics (LS-Dyna), Linear and Nonlinear Eigenvalue Buckling, Harmonic Response, and Random Vibrations.
• Hands-on experience with hardware development, testing, and qualification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience with cryogenic systems, liquid rocket systems, and LV components.
• Hands-on experience designing and improving LV hardware.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and technological processes for aerospace parts.
• Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices.
• Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment.
• MATLAB for programming, data analysis, and optimization.