Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design EngineerThis role focuses on the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for propulsion and aerospace applications, with particular emphasis on high-temperature materials, pressure vessels, and rocket motor or missile systems. You will take technical ownership of complex, mission-critical systems tied to defense, national security, space technology, and missile defense, contributing to meaningful, high-stakes engineering work in a culture that values innovation, curiosity, and hands-on problem solving.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop mechanical components and assemblies for propulsion and aerospace applications, including pressure vessels and rocket motor or missile hardware.Perform engineering trade studies that balance pressure, temperature, weight, manufacturability, and reliability to optimize system performance.Support design, analysis, testing, troubleshooting, and qualification activities across the product lifecycle.Evaluate and select materials for high-temperature and demanding operating environments, ensuring compatibility and long-term reliability.Develop solutions for sealing technologies, including O-ring design and pressure containment systems, to meet stringent performance requirements.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and drive products through development, testing, and qualification.Participate in technical reviews, failure investigations, and root-cause analysis to improve designs and prevent recurrence of issues.Contribute to engineering problem-solving activities, offering creative and practical solutions to complex mechanical design challenges.Work independently and proactively, managing tasks and priorities in a remote or distributed environment while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.Essential Skills10+ years of mechanical engineering experience.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.Strong understanding of pressure vessel design, associated challenges, and propulsion-related applications.Expertise in sealing technologies and O-ring design for high-pressure, high-temperature systems.Deep knowledge of high-temperature materials, material selection, and compatibility in demanding environments.Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals and engineering best practices.Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote environment while meeting technical and schedule commitments.Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering and program teams.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with solid rocket motors or propulsion systems, including design, development, and testing.Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, particularly in propulsion, missile defense, or space technology.Hands-on experience with rocket motor design, development, and qualification testing.Experience conducting qualification testing, failure investigations, and root-cause analysis for complex mechanical systems.Familiarity with high-temperature operating environments and material compatibility challenges.Exposure to propulsion system temperature controls and related analysis software tools.Experience using mechanical CAD and design tools such as Creo and applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) in detailed drawings.Interest in working on mission-critical systems with a focus on innovation, curiosity, impact, and a culture of doers, thinkers, and builders.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, Texas.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $62.50 - $96.15/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision; Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); Short and long-term disability; Health Spending Account (HSA); Transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.