The Senior Mechanical Energetics Engineer will function as the primary point of contact for the supplier efforts to design/build/test/deliver Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) and Warheads for complex missile system. This individual will lead/support the integration and requirements definitions for these subsystems to include generation of specifications and working with systems engineering to complete MBSE activities. Further skills will include driving mechanical packaging of these items to withstand stringent environmental requirements (i.e., mass, volume, thermal, vibration).
Position Responsibilities
Lead development efforts of SRM and Warhead suppliers
Leads or support the thermal, structural, dynamic, and fluid flow analysis efforts
Leads the testing and data collection in the laboratory and the field
Performs stress and fatigue analysis; Performs thermal analysis and selects bonding material
Develops specifications, mechanical drawings, and specifies the dimensional tolerances
Develops assembly instructions and test procedures
Develops/supports test plans and test procedures to verify designs
Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors
Executes team assignments effectively following the given schedule, milestone, and available resources. May coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead).
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Minimum 8 - 12 years of relevant technical experience in SRM and Warhead development
Experienced in developing requirements specification for mechanical subsystems
Has sufficient proficiency with the following CAD /CAE tools to perform ones position responsibilities:
CREO for mechanical modeling.
ANSYS for structural and fatigue analysis
ANSYS Icepack for thermal analysis.
Experienced with manufacturing methodologies of electrical/mechanical assemblies
Experienced with creating and maintaining product document tree
Experienced with creating and maintaining products bill of materials (BOM)
Experienced with test and measurement techniques, such as torque transducer calibration and instrumentation
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
MS degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred
Demonstrates familiarity with MIL-STD-810 or DO-160
Demonstrates familiarity with MIL-STD 961D standards (or equivalent) for developing subsystem technical specifications
Demonstrates full understanding & knowledge of engineering principles in the technical discipline and successfully works independently
Effectively articulates concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills (Verbal and written)
Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above ones own interests
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office and production environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Clearance Level
SecretThe salary range for this role is:
$80,500 - $114,450AeroVironment 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 youre 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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.