Job details

Mechanical Engineer, Sr. Staff

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft, and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

The Mechanical Engineer, Sr. Staff applies engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanically functioning equipment. In this role, The Sr. Staff Mechanical Engineer leads in the mechanical design, testing, and production of electrical machines as well as the design of electronics packaging for high altitude aerospace applications. One leads the mechanical packaging development effort for electronic equipment that withstand stringent environmental requirements (i.e., mass, volume, thermal, vibration). Manages mid-size development projects outsourced to sub-contractors (development of a system, equipment or components).

Position Responsibilities

Leads or supports the thermal, structural, dynamic, and fluid flow analysis efforts for electronics equipment
Leads the testing and data collection in the laboratory and the field
Models the mechanical devices and selects the proper material
Performs stress and fatigue analysis; Performs thermal analysis and selects bonding material
Develops mechanical drawings and specifies the dimensional tolerances
Develops and implements assembly instructions and test procedures
Develops and implements test plans and test procedures to verify designs
Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum 12 years of relevant technical experience in Mechanical Engineering, with 7 years in developing for production rotating electrical machines, electronics equipment packaging solution, and/or mechanical devices solutions for industrial and aerospace applications
Experience developing requirements specification for mechanical subsystems and according to MIL-STD 961D standard or equivalent
Has sufficient proficiency with the following CAD /CAE tools to perform one's position responsibilities:
- SolidWorks for mechanical modeling.
- ANSYS for structural and fatigue analysis
- ANSYS Icepack for thermal analysis.
Extensive experience with Solid Works
Extensive experience with designing electrical rotating machines for high-performance applications
Extensive experience with thermal management tradeoffs and solutions as well as materials properties
Experienced with bonding techniques for extreme environmental conditions using different adhesives
Experienced with manufacturing methodologies of electrical machines and with creating and maintaining product document tree
Experience with creating and maintaining products bill of materials (BOM)
Experience with test and measurement techniques, such as torque transducer calibration and instrumentation.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

MS in Mechanical Engineering is preferred
Recognition by a reputable international engineering society such as ASME at the senior membership level or higher is preferred
Demonstrated familiarity with MIL-STD-810 or DO-160 and familiarity with MIL-STD 961D standards (or equivalent) for developing subsystem technical specifications
Demonstrated full understanding & knowledge of engineering principles in the technical discipline. Demonstrates ability to work 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 one's 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)

The salary range for this role is:

$142,720 - $214,080

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

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

AeroVironment Glassdoor Company Review

3.5