Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can't fail. Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before – the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now. Responsibilities We are seeking a senior level mechanical engineer to provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts. The selected candidates will be expected to lead the structural and thermal analysis of mechanical systems for space and airborne hardware, work within a multi-disciplined project team, be responsible for mechanical design and analysis activity, and support integration and formal acceptance-test activities. Projects vary from packaging high reliability electronics subsystems to opto‑mechanical mechanism design such as gimbal and steering mirror systems. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. 8 years' mechanical engineering experience in one or more of the following areas: structural and thermal analysis including analytical calculations and FEA (stress analysis, modal analysis, thermal conduction analysis, bolt loads, etc.). design using CAD software, ideally experience with SolidWorks. tolerance analysis and GD&T practices. space hardware design, analysis, integration, and test. Strong technical writing skills applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.). Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance. Desired Qualifications 10+ years' experience in mechanical engineering of space systems. Strong verbal communication skills needed for customer interaction at design reviews, supplier interaction, etc. Ability to quickly adapt to various projects and types of work and to work several projects simultaneously while managing time and priorities. Ability to work independently or as part of a development team. Experience and willingness to be hands‑on during hardware assembly, integration, and test. Current US security clearance. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $111,500 - $158,025 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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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: We also encourage you to review our company website at 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. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance. About AV AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI‑powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you’re ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. Careers at AeroVironment #J-18808-Ljbffr AeroVironment