Research Mechanical Engineer

Research Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Engineer I
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards, CA

HX5 is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations nationwide.

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.

Essential Duties and 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.
• The candidate will be expected to present results in the form of reports, patents, conference presentations, and/or program reviews.
• Records research activities and compiles data according to scientific standards and communicates results effectively to team members, stakeholders, and leadership.

Education and Experience

• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 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.

Preferences

• Demonstrated ability to build-up and operate experiments involving charged particles or plasmas to address specific research topics and test objectives or meet detailed technical requirements.
• Experience building, testing, and operating electrical circuits used to provide power, control hardware and instruments, or acquire data signals, including operating and troubleshooting high-speed electronics and data acquisition systems (>1kV).
• Experience with non-invasive diagnostics including but not limited to optical diagnostics.
• Experience designing or operating equipment and circuits for applications involving high-voltages (>1 kV).
• Experience designing and building components using conventional machining methods, including applying methods of microfabrication or nanofabrication.
• Experience operating vacuum systems, knowledgeable of best practices at pressures ranging from 10-4 to 10-7 Torr, or lower.
• Knowledge of or experience applying diagnostics for custom applications involving plasma devices are charged particle beams, including time-of-flight systems, retarding potential analyzers, plasma probes (e.g. Langmuir probes, emissive probes, Faraday cups, ExB probes), or thrust stands.
• Experience operating experiments or tests involving Hall-effect thrusters, ionic liquid electrosprays, or other electric propulsion technologies. Experience with plasma beams, ion beams, or other devices manipulating or controlling charged particles.
• Experience with National Instruments DAQ and/or Allen-Bradley automation systems
• Experience with data-driven techniques in exploring plasma physics.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal. Experience presenting papers at conferences or publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Salary: This position is expected to pay $80,000 to $130,000 annually; depending on experience, education, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the position

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and offers a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) when applicable.

HX5 offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• 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

HX5, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

HX5, LLC is a Drug Free Workplace Employer.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please call (850) 362-6551.

CJ