Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Check out this NEW Opportunity with Axient!:

Axient is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support AFRL and Space Monkey projects in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position will spend a portion of their work week supporting the Air Force Research Laboratorys (AFRL) Small Satellite Portfolio (SSP) with mechanical design projects for various spacecraft missions.

AFRL manages a variety of small satellite missions and ground programs, focusing on experimental payloads and technology missions. SSP is developing, testing, and transitioning small satellite technologies to support the Hybrid Architecture vision for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Our R&D Integrated Space Experiments (RISE) contract with AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) provides concept design, development, integration, test, launch integration, and operations and evaluation of new space technologies and engineering prototypes. We support a broad range of mission areas including Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Position Navigation and Timing, Space Situational Awareness, Space Control, and Weather across all classes (Class 1 Rapid Sats to Class 3 Flagships)

Space Monkey is Axient's newer program focused on developing commercial satellite buses for integration and deployment with government and commercial payloads and missions. Space Monkey specializes in concept, design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of components, subsystems, and integrated vehicles. This is a full-time position and offers a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct technical expertise support to AFRL/SSP and Axient's Space Monkey program.
• Support the research, evaluation, planning, design, development, testing, and integration of mechanical components, subsystems, products, and projects
• Establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration, and test
• Produce engineering documentation, reports, and drawings in support of design, development, production, and testing
• Identify and resolve complex engineering issues
• Conceptualize and design spacecraft drawings and layouts
• Document, identify, and recommend spacecraft components, subsystems, and products by completing trade studies to identify new components to meet given requirements
• Generate layouts and drawings and maintain the Axient shared library repository in SolidWorks
• Analyze CAD models through simulation and/or analysis to recommend component substitutions or redesign solutions
• Establish understanding and implementation of various components based on their specs, calculations, and operations as defined in their datasheet
• Identify program problems and assist in establishing solutions and improved processes
• Provide support in maintaining and improving the design of existing spacecraft models, systems, and products; this also includes identifying, analyzing, and resolving obsolescence issues
• Plan, perform, and direct engineering activities to ensure design, production, and testing conform to design specifications and requirements
• Be responsible for gathering, compiling, and maintaining technical data (e.g., test results, engineering design changes, engineering drawings, engineering documentation; etc.) for analysis and evaluation

• Support the engineering team in execution of various program activities to include participating in program reviews; interacting, communicating, and presenting to stakeholders; performing and providing engineering analysis and evaluation; reviewing and providing inputs to test plans/procedures and reports, technical data packages (e.g. technical requirements, engineering drawings, models, and diagrams; specifications/standards; etc.), and engineering related program documentation (e.g. Systems Engineering Plan, Security Strategy, Configuration Management Plan, Lifecycle Sustainment Strategy, Test and Evaluation Master Plan; etc.); test execution and witnessing; system maintenance and troubleshooting; configuration control; and risk management.
• Aid in the continued growth of Space Monkey by supporting bid and proposal activities

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 3 years of relevant design experience
• CAD design and assembly, specifically
• Identification, analysis, and evaluation of COTs components
• Integration, conversion or reverse engineering of non-native CAD models
• Parametric trade studies of assembly designs
• Engineering drawings for machined part creation
• Mechanical part repository upkeep and maintenance
• Design, function and calculations associated with individual mechanical components and assembly breakdown

Requirements

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship and ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance and handle and safeguard sensitive and classified information in accordance with regulations.
• Must be able to work independently and possess self-driven work style.

Preferences

• 5+ years of experience in mechanics of spacecraft and/or space industry
• Experience in SolidWorks design software preferred
• Experience with Thermal desktop desired

• Knowledge of the effects and mitigation of space environments on structures (radiation, deratings, thermal effects, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience in designing spacecraft subsystems
• Knowledge and experience in test and evaluation of spacecraft subsystems
• Ability to lead teams and maintain project status
• Additional experience in space mechanics and/or thermal mitigation industries
• Experience in space or aerospace conditions, systems, operations, and industry

Position Type/Expected Work Hours

• This is a full-time position and offers a very flexible work schedule, although onsite work is a requirement.