Fluids Mechanical Engineer - Vehicle

As a Fluids Mechanical Engineer at Gravitics, your key responsibilities will include designing and analyzing vehicle tubing and mounting systems to ensure structural integrity under various load scenarios, managing project schedules and budgets for fluid systems, creating detailed assembly drawings with a strong focus on GD&T and tolerance stack-ups, and engaging in failure analysis related to thermal, static, vibration, and shock loads. You’ll also work closely with suppliers and technicians to bring your designs to life.

To qualify for the Fluids Mechanical Engineer position at Gravitics, you should have at least 3 years of industry experience in the design, build, and testing of aerospace fluid systems. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with familiarity with CAD and analysis software. Additionally, previous experience with fluid components such as valves and tubing, as well as a solid understanding of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5), will be essential for success in this role.

The compensation for the Fluids Mechanical Engineer role at Gravitics ranges from $91,000 to $142,000 per year, and the final salary will be determined based on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and direct experience. In addition to salary, Gravitics offers a comprehensive package that includes equity options, medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, generous PTO, and employee discounts.

A successful Fluids Mechanical Engineer at Gravitics should possess strong design and analysis skills in fluid systems, and familiarity with tools like Siemens AMESim, Python, and Matlab can be significant assets. An understanding of aerospace engineering standards such as ASME B31.3 and the ability to design for high vibration environments can further enhance your expertise. Your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively will also play a vital role in your success.

At Gravitics, the work culture is characterized by teamwork, continuous learning, and a passion for innovation. As a Fluids Mechanical Engineer, you will be encouraged to collaborate across teams, share ideas, and contribute to projects that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. The atmosphere is supportive of professional growth, and everyone is dedicated to building a future where humanity can thrive beyond Earth.

When answering this question, elaborate on specific projects where you were involved in the design, testing, or analysis of fluid systems. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing metrics or outcomes that highlight your contributions. This helps interviewers see not only your technical skills but also your problem-solving capabilities.

Be prepared to discuss your experience with CAD software and the types of projects you've completed using it. Highlight specific features of the software that you find particularly useful and provide examples of how CAD has played a role in your design process, especially in creating detailed assembly drawings for fluid systems.

Emphasize your understanding of GD&T and how you've implemented it in past projects. Explain the processes you follow when creating drawings, checking tolerances, and collaborating with the manufacturing team to ensure that all elements of your design comply with the necessary standards.

Choose a specific instance that demonstrates both your technical skills and your ability to adapt. Focus on what you learned from the experience, how you contributed to finding a solution, and the steps you took to mitigate any future issues. This showcases your resilience and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your methodology for conducting failure analysis, including how you collect data and what parameters you examine when diagnosing issues. Providing examples of past failures can illustrate your analytical skills and ability to pinpoint the root cause of problems.

Discuss your experience with project management tools and techniques that you employ to keep track of schedules and budgets. Provide examples of how you've balanced multiple tasks and ensured that projects remained on track while managing stakeholder expectations.

Share your approach to engaging with suppliers, including initial discussions, solicitation of bids, and how you incorporate feedback into your designs. Include examples of instances where supplier input led to successful outcomes or helped optimize designs.

Discuss the importance of design integrity, materials, and testing protocols. Highlight how these factors impact both the functionality and safety of fluid systems in an aerospace context. This will demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the field.

Provide examples from previous roles where you had to work under tight deadlines or with critical systems. Discuss specific techniques you used to maintain quality and safety standards while managing stress during these high-pressure situations.

Showcase your industry knowledge by discussing trends such as the evolving needs of propulsion systems, advancements in materials technology, or the impact of increased regulations. This shows you are forward-thinking and aware of how your role fits into broader industry developments.