Job Description

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Redmond WA- Onsite

Duration: 12 Months

We’re looking for an outstanding Mechanical Engineer Drafter who combines superb technical and analytical capabilities with a demonstrated ability to get the right things done quickly and effectively. This person will be responsible for developing 3D and 2D mechanical designs and related analysis, specifically for flight-critical avionics systems. The ideal candidate will have a foundation in mechanical engineering suited for both prototype and production-level designs.

About the Role:

The Manufacturing Systems Engineering organization is responsible for delivering test software, test hardware, and test frameworks that improve speed and quality of testing for satellite components. We partner with engineering and production teams to bring reliability and repeatability to our test systems, improve throughput, and accelerate transitions.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will have a background in space-based and ground-based mechanical design and analysis, including electromechanical systems integration. The ideal candidate has experience making major optimization trades for payloads and system architectures. This is a hands-on role for a highly collaborative individual who combines technical expertise and analytical capabilities to convert trade studies into space-qualified payloads while meeting cross-discipline requirements.

This role requires a blend of technical expertise, creativity, and practical knowledge of manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will have experience working on complex programs with diverse teams and partner organizations. The candidate will also have the potential to lead small subteams of mechanical engineers and be able to prepare clear and compelling technical reports.

This role is crucial in ensuring that products can withstand and function properly in diverse environmental conditions. It combines hardware engineering, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the successful deployment and execution of test programs.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Work with an interdisciplinary team to execute mechanical product designs from concept to production, including specification, design, prototyping, validation, and testing using CAD software.
Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations, as well as vendors, to ensure a smooth product launch and sustaining efforts.
Perform mechanical design and layout trade studies for satellite payloads, ground-based communication equipment, and test support hardware, contributing to overall system architecture with input from cross-discipline teams (Electrical, RF, Optical, Thermal, Dynamics, Mechanisms, Materials, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Test).
Create detailed 2D and 3D models and technical drawings.
Utilize CAM software to program and optimize manufacturing processes.
Conduct design analysis and simulations to validate product performance.
Facilitate cost trades on multiple parallel configurations for cost-manufacturability vs. design uncertainty.
Generate detailed designs via CAD systems and engineering drawings with appropriate Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Deliver well-written documentation, reports, and presentations for technical design reviews and proposals.
Design and support test campaigns (both development and qualification/acceptance) for space hardware.
Interact directly with customers to understand technical requirements and translate them into technically robust solutions backed by data and analysis.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor).
Experience with CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX CAM, Fusion 360).
Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, 3D printing, injection molding).
Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Basic Qualifications:

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
7+ years of experience as a mechanical engineer and designer.
5+ years of experience with structural engineering analysis methods and tools.
5+ years using NX CAD for model and drawing creation.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
Experience coordinating with suppliers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency in engineering project management software such as JIRA, Confluence, or other Agile tools.
Knowledge of MCAD software (3D modeling and 2D drafting).
Experience designing mechanical assemblies for electronics.
Experience with rapid prototype and production tooling.
Strong communication and writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
5+ years of experience designing space-based electromechanical systems.
Proficiency with SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS Finite Element Analysis tools.
Experience in the design and sustaining of complex mechanical products and equipment.
Proficiency documenting designs in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
Experience designing and debugging tooled cast, injection mold, forge, stamp, etc., components.
Experience in electronics packaging, including PCBA mechanical design, incorporation of sensors, and plastic PCBA enclosures that comply with IEC IP54.
Experience in automation and/or robotic design.
Experience leading product enhancements that improve performance of existing products.
Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
Strong organizational skills and ability to work well with teams.
Desire and energy to work in a fast-paced, agile environment.

About Us: Established in 2004, SPECTRAFORCE® is one of the largest and fastest-growing diversity-owned staffing firms in the US. The growth of our company is a direct result of our global client service delivery model that is powered by our state-of-the-art A.I. proprietary talent acquisition platform, robust ISO 9001:2015/ISO 27001 certified processes, and strong and passionate client engaged teams. We have built our business by providing talent and project-based solutions, including Contingent, Permanent, and Statement of Work (SOW) services to over 140 clients in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and India. Key industries that we service include Technology, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Telecom, Retail, Utilities and Transportation. SPECTRAFORCE is built on a concept of “human connection,” defined by our branding attitude of NEWJOBPHORIA®, which is the excitement of bringing joy and freedom to the work lifestyle so our people and clients can reach their highest potential. Learn more at: http://www.spectraforce.com

Benefits: SPECTRAFORCE offers ACA compliant health benefits as well as dental, vision, accident, critical illness, voluntary life, and hospital indemnity insurances to eligible employees. Additional benefits offered to eligible employees include commuter benefits, 401K plan with matching, and a referral bonus program. SPECTRAFORCE provides unpaid leave as well as paid sick leave when required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer: SPECTRAFORCE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Please contact Human Resources at LOA@spectraforce.com if you require reasonable accommodation.

California Applicant Notice: SPECTRAFORCE is committed to complying with the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) effective January 1, 2023; and all data privacy laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. A Notice to California Job Applicants Regarding the Collection of Personal Information can be located on our website. Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting NAHR@spectraforce.com.

LA County, CA Applicant Notice: If you are selected for this position with SPECTRAFORCE, your offer is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of several requirements, including but not limited to, a criminal background check. We consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with all local ordinances and state laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). The background check assessment will consider whether a criminal history could reasonably have a direct, adverse impact on the job-related safety, security, trust, regulatory compliance, or suitability for this role. Such findings may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer.

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $65.00/hr.