Jr. Mechanical Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

AV has an opportunity for a Jr. Mechanical Engineer supporting the design, development, integration, and testing of precision mechanisms for airborne and spacecraft applications. This role will contribute to advanced engineering efforts involving inertial sensors, scanning mirrors, fast steering mirrors, gimbals, and related pointing and stabilization systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with mechanical design, CAD modeling, precision assemblies, and engineering analysis within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position supports research and technology development efforts as well as the rigorous engineering processes required for space-qualified and production hardware.

Essential Functions

• Support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of precision mechanisms for airborne and spacecraft applications.
• Contribute to the development of systems including inertial sensors, scanning mirrors, fast steering mirrors, gimbals, and other pointing and stabilization mechanisms.
• Participate in precision mechanism design, assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Develop mechanical designs, models, and engineering drawings using CAD software.
• Perform engineering analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams on multiple concurrent projects.
• Support research and technology development efforts related to advanced aerospace and space systems.
• Assist in the development and execution of rigorous engineering processes and procedures associated with space-qualified and production hardware.
• Ensure engineering work is completed in compliance with applicable technical, quality, and program requirements.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education and Experience

• U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2-5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with precision mechanism design, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Experience using CAD software for mechanical design and engineering drawings.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software and analysis methods.
• Familiarity with optical systems and precision electro-mechanical hardware.
• Experience working with spaceflight hardware, including environmental requirements, materials, standards, and qualification processes.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple technical efforts simultaneously.

Clearance Level

TS/SCI

The salary range for this role is:
$74,500 - $105,525

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.