Space Systems Mechanical Engineer

Do you want to design and build unique space structures and spacecraft for NASA missions that enable groundbreaking scientific discovery throughout the solar system and beyond?

Are you passionate about strengthening our nation's security by developing advanced space systems that support critical defense missions?

Do you enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment with engineers from multiple disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver flight hardware?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer ready to take on new challenges as part of our team leading the design, development, integration, and delivery of spaceflight hardware for both civil space exploration and national security missions. You will work alongside systems, mechanical, structural, thermal, and manufacturing engineers.

Together, we design, analyze, build, integrate, test, and deliver high-performance spaceflight structures that operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our work spans the complete program lifecycle—from concept development and proposal efforts through design, fabrication, environmental qualification, integration, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Our programs support NASA's science portfolio, including missions such as Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and future flagship missions, while also advancing innovative technologies and operational capabilities for Department of War and other national security space missions.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will...

• Be responsible for the capability and consistency of the mechanical systems across the mission ensuring that the teams developing these systems meet mission requirements and needs.
• Be intimately involved in the integration and organization of the teams across the flight systems, including mechanical and thermal systems, system engineering, electrical systems and other technical discipline areas.
• Manage the development of interfaces and influence schedules and budgets, and provide mechanical system engineering technical oversight of all hardware element systems.
• Be responsible for the mass budgets across all elements of the systems in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Provide inputs to program level risks and mitigations, manage communications and data flows across the organizations and have an impact on launch, cruise and flight operations conducted on Titan, the moon of Saturn.
• Understand that this position requires a successful track record of space flight hardware development experience, integration and testing experience and this key leadership position requires an on campus presence in a highly collaborative environment.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• Have 5+ years of experience leading space mission projects
• Have demonstrated the ability to lead a major flight subsystem through concept, design, analysis, test, and integration.
• Have experience in managing schedules, executing those plans, reporting deficiencies and accomplishment along the way
• Have experience working technical hardware development across multiple organizations
• Demonstrate you work well as a member and leader of a team with good communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Are willing and able to travel to suppliers and sponsors, present materials at design reviews and work a variable schedule during limited times of environmental testing.

• Are able to obtain a Secret, level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtainTop Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a MS or PHD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Have a demonstrated and significant experience in bringing together flight systems through design, development, integration and test phases, and into the launch campaign
• Have completed several aerospace projects from start to finish as Lead Mechanical Systems Engineer
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact  View email address on techcareers.com

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

$105,000 Annually

$290,000 Annually