Staff Avionics Mechanical Engineer

About the role

You will own the complete mechanical design cycle for avionics hardware, translating scientific instrument requirements into flight-ready packaging that survives the harsh realities of launch and space operations. You will partner closely with avionics electrical engineers, software teams, and manufacturing to iterate rapidly on prototypes while rigorously applying analysis and test methods. You will define and validate thermal paths, structural mounts, and enclosure solutions that keep sensitive science instruments within strict operating margins. You will drive the development of detailed engineering deliverables that support both program and compliance needs, ensuring that every bracket, standoff, and panel meets its intended function. You will act as the mechanical authority for avionics platforms, making trade studies that balance mass, schedule, risk, and performance under tight constraints. You will document designs to a level that supports traceability, audits, and future manufacturing, and you will mentor less experienced staff on best practices for mechanical integration in a fast-moving program.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define system-level mechanical requirements for avionics packages in coordination with spacecraft and instrument teams.

Develop detailed CAD models and drawings for avionics enclosures, brackets, rails, and thermal hardware using current design tools.

Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analysis to guide design decisions and verify compliance with mission environments.

Plan and execute mechanical test articles, prototypes, and qualification tests to validate performance against requirements.

Select and specify off-the-shelf and custom components, ensuring suitability for space applications and supply chain feasibility.

Collaborate with manufacturing to translate designs into processes that are reliable, repeatable, and scalable for production.

Support integration and test activities by troubleshooting mechanical issues, updating interfaces, and implementing corrective actions.

Own documentation, including design rationale, test reports, and configuration records, to maintain clarity and traceability.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve risks, schedule impacts, and interface conflicts in a timely manner.

Champion best practices for reliability, testability, and manufacturability throughout the avionics mechanical development lifecycle.

Apply design for manufacturing and design for test principles to streamline processes and reduce risk across the program.

Partner with quality and mission assurance to ensure compliance with internal standards and industry practices.

Support the development roadmap from prototype to flight units, adapting designs as lessons learned are captured.

Act as a technical resource for peers and stakeholders, communicating complex mechanical concepts clearly and concisely.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience as a mechanical engineer on spaceflight hardware, with a portfolio of avionics, payload, or instrument mechanical design.

Strong proficiency with CAD tools and the ability to produce production-level drawings and models for fabrication and assembly.

Experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using finite element analysis tools relevant to space applications.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Solid understanding of mechanical testing methods, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and shock testing, and the ability to interpret test results.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a collaborative setting.

A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field is required; advanced degree preferred.

U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required to access sensitive programs and facilities.

Nice to have

Experience with space-qualified hardware, flight heritage, or prior work on science instrument interfaces.

Knowledge of space standards and practices related to mechanical design and verification.

Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles in a high-growth engineering environment.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Long Beach, California. The role may require travel to test sites, supplier locations, or customer facilities as needed. Employment eligibility verification and relevant authorization to work in the United States will be required.