Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design EngineerThis role focuses on the design and development of launch pad hardware and ground support equipment for advanced aerospace systems. You will create and refine structural and mechanical designs that support launch operations, recovery systems, and production tooling while working closely with lead engineers and cross-functional teams. The position combines 3D CAD design, structural steel detailing, and hands-on support of builds and installations in a dynamic, high-mix, low-volume environment.Responsibilities:Support the design and detailing of launch pad structures, ground support equipment, and mechanical systems that enable reliable launch operations.Develop 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings, with a strong preference for using NX (Unigraphics), while also accommodating other major CAD platforms as needed.Create and maintain fabrication-ready documentation, including weldments, assemblies, and installation drawings that are clear, complete, and production-ready.Design and refine structural steel components such as frames, supports, platforms, and heavy equipment mounting structures to meet strength, safety, and constructability requirements.Collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and operations teams to ensure designs meet functional requirements, fabrication constraints, and installation needs.Incorporate tube routing, conduit routing, and piping layouts into mechanical and structural designs, ensuring proper clearances, accessibility, and maintainability.Apply knowledge of welding symbols, weld callouts, and fabrication standards to ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with shop practices.Support prototype builds, installations, and field modifications by reviewing and incorporating redlines, updating designs, and resolving issues discovered during assembly and testing.Assist with basic structural sizing and layout decisions, balancing cost, schedule, and constructability while maintaining safety and performance standards.Ensure all designs align with applicable safety, quality, and operational standards and support reliable launch pad and ground system operations.Work with fabrication shops and weld environments to clarify design intent, address manufacturability concerns, and implement design improvements based on feedback.Interpret and use engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications to guide design work and support build and installation activities.Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and documentation practices in a high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build setting.Essential Skills:At least 1 year of experience with 3D CAD software, with strong proficiency in NX (Unigraphics) preferred; experience with Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks is also acceptable.Proven experience creating engineering drawings and 3D models suitable for fabrication, including weldments and assemblies.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on design experience for designer-level candidates.Experience with structural steel design and detailing, including frames, weldments, platforms, and similar structures.Working knowledge of welding symbols, weld callouts, and fabrication drawings to ensure accurate communication with fabrication teams.Experience with tube routing in mechanical or structural systems.Experience with conduit routing for electrical or control systems within mechanical structures.Experience with piping systems and layouts, including integration with structural and mechanical designs.Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and industry-standard drawing practices.Hands-on experience supporting builds, installations, or field troubleshooting of mechanical or structural systems.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications accurately.Experience working in industrial, aerospace, heavy equipment, or construction environments where large-scale structures and systems are common.Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely and effectively with technicians, engineers, and operations teams.Strong proficiency with NX, including routing modules being a significant advantage.Experience working with fabrication shops or weld environments, including direct interaction to resolve design and manufacturing issues.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Direct experience supporting launch pad systems, ground systems, or large-scale industrial infrastructure projects.Experience in high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build environments where designs iterate quickly and move rapidly into production.Experience integrating tube, conduit, and piping routing into complex structural and mechanical assemblies.Exposure to advanced aerospace systems, launch operations, or recovery systems, even in a supporting role.Ability to balance cost, schedule, and constructability considerations when making structural sizing and layout decisions.Comfort working with cross-functional teams and adapting designs based on feedback from operations, fabrication, and field teams.Work Environment:The role operates in a dynamic engineering environment that supports advanced aerospace systems, launch pad infrastructure, and ground support equipment. You will primarily use 3D CAD tools such as NX (with possible use of Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks) to create detailed models and drawings, and you will regularly interact with fabrication shops and weld environments to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable. Work includes a mix of office-based design tasks and on-site support for builds, installations, and field modifications, often around large structural steel frames, platforms, and heavy equipment mounting structures. The environment emphasizes collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, and values rapid design/build cycles, clear documentation, and adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kennedy Space Center, FL.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $41.00/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 Type:This is a fully onsite position in Kennedy Space Center, FL.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.