Sr. Mechanical Engineer I, Off-Planet Systems
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 23, 2026. ICON scores A on the Alion truth index.
Job Description
ICON is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to assist in our Strategic R&D efforts. As the Mechanical Engineer for Off-Planet Robotics, you will be responsible for the development of conceptual and detailed designs of spacecraft and planetary systems, conducting trade studies and ideation exercises, participating in our design review and systems engineering processes, and ultimately fly the hardware you have designed. This role is based locally in ICON’s Austin, TX laboratories, and will report to the Senior Director of Off-Planet Systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contribute in the development of a robotic platform for construction applications, focusing on motion platforms and dynamic fluid systems.
Design and create prototypes using in-house and external fabrication
Specify robotic servo-driven actuators using industry standards for aerospace applications, including mobile (rover-based) robotics, and large format, long reach robotic actuators.
Run FEA and CFD analysis to provide safe and reliable engineered solutions for use in space.
Provide hands-on, troubleshooting, and build support as well designing, implementing, and integrating solutions in a fast-paced environment with a quick AGILE development cycle.
Create design solutions utilizing engineering methods with good documentation processes
Collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to procure, fabricate, test, and ultimately fly the hardware you have designed.
Perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basis (e.g. Transition from office work to field work at a moment’s notice)
Establish individual and team goals consistent with overall company OKRs
Mentor engineers in their career development
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
8+ years of recent experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.
Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D modeling tools.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
M.S. or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Strong thermal analysis skills.
Past design experience in extreme thermal environments.
Familiarity with serial robotic arm operations and design constraints.
Experience in aerospace actuation design.
Experience in formal systems engineering: requirements development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification and release.
Experience in spacecraft systems design.
Experience in Solidworks.
Experience in structural FEA and CFD using ANSYS, or similar tools.
PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and outdoor conditions.
Physical effort may be required for the handling of supplies or materials (up to 50 lbs unassisted).
ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended).
Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit candidates through this application. ICON does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency submissions for candidates and will not pay fees to any third-party agency without a prior agreement with ICON.
As part of our compliance with these obligations, the Company invites you to voluntarily self-identify as set forth below. Provision of such information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your employment or subject you to any adverse treatment. Any and all information provided will be considered confidential, will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file, and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders and regulations, including those that require the information to be summarized and reported to the federal government for civil rights enforcement purposes.