Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace Structures)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace Structures)

Employee Type: MSP

Expected Weekly Hours: TBD - Project will be completed in sprints, work will not be full time.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for supporting the client’s business unit(s) with specifying, designing, and validating various 3D printed aerospace structures. This position will support a growing design services team who produce Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), namely designing the mechanical structures used in multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones) designs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design 3D printable mechanical airframe structures at the part, sub-assembly, and system levels
• Apply knowledge of 3D printing technologies, primarily Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF), to design, print, and validate various airframe structures
• Apply knowledge of UAS categories to optimize the design approach to airframe structures across functionality, cost, and mass production readiness perspectives
• Apply knowledge of additive manufacturing for design for manufacturing (DFM) considerations
• Receive end user (customer) product and regulatory requirements and translate them into engineering specs
• Collaborate with metrology, quality, and reliability engineers to determine qualification needs for drone designs used in different industries/applications
• Perform R&D to integrate commoditized materials/parts into customized structure designs for improved design and production lead-times
• Lead finite element analysis (FEA), design, and DFM reviews on cross functional teams
• Act as a technical point contact for customers and part & material suppliers
• Perform other duties as needed

Education and Credential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Due to project scope - US Citizenship is a requirement to be eligible for this role.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a Sr. Mechanical Engineer design role

o Designed “hybrid systems” where off-the-shelf parts are strategically integrated into custom structural designs

o Proficient using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo Elements, Direct Modeling, AutoCAD, or similar CAD packages for part, sub-assembly, and system level simulation and design

o Proficient using FEA tools such as ANSYS, Siemens NX, Nastran/Patran, or similar packages

o Designed 3D printed parts for use in R&D/rapid prototyping and/or mass production environments

o Hands on performing tolerance stack up analysis and drafting GD&T drawings

• Experience managing customer and supplier relationships

Preferred Experience:

• Designed lightweight structures used in aerospace applications
• Designed injected plastic molded parts
• Working knowledge of electroplating

Skills Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
• High proficiency using productivity software such as M365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams and SharePoint)
• Ability to use agile/scrum project/program management principles and methodologies to consistently meet task deadlines, triage changing priorities, and track issues to resolution
• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams with a customer service mindset

Work Environment

• The position typically operates in a standard office environment and/or from employee’s home
• Be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

\nCompany Description

Founded in 2010 and based in Vancouver, WA, RLA Engineering is a premier engineering design firm. We partner with clients from start-ups to industry leaders across the U.S. to help bring great products to life. From concept to prototype, we provide test & measurement and product design solutions powered by deep technical expertise.

Company Description

Founded in 2010 and based in Vancouver, WA, RLA Engineering is a premier engineering design firm. We partner with clients from start-ups to industry leaders across the U.S. to help bring great products to life. From concept to prototype, we provide test & measurement and product design solutions powered by deep technical expertise.