Senior Launch Vehicle Design Engineer I

Team: Engineering

Location: El Segundo, CA

Commitment: Full-time

Workplace Type: onsite

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the design, analysis, and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, stage interfaces, and payload accommodations.
Perform static and transient structural and thermal analysis of LV components and systems to ensure mechanical integrity under operational loads.
Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs.
Prepare CAD models for FEA analysis and manufacturing.
Generate technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and contributions to PDRs and CDRs.
Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems.
Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding and professional development.
Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of industry experience in aerospace design and analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX).
• Strong foundation in systems engineering principles, requirements flowdown, and integration.
• Expertise in Ansys tools: Mechanical, Explicit Dynamics (LS-Dyna), Linear and Nonlinear Eigenvalue Buckling, Harmonic Response, and Random Vibrations.
• Hands-on experience with hardware development, testing, and qualification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience with cryogenic systems, liquid rocket systems, and LV components.
• Hands-on experience designing and improving LV hardware.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and technological processes for aerospace parts.
• Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices.
• Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment.
• MATLAB for programming, data analysis, and optimization.