Engineer II, Mechanical Test (R4935)

What you'll do

• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability from start to finish.
• Design, build, and operate test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
• Integrate and calibrate a range of sensors (e.g., load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers) into test setups for accurate data collection.
• Create and maintain python scripts to provide automation, signal processing, and result visualization.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate technical reports with design feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, systems, and electrical engineering to define test requirements, run test campaigns and deliver high quality results.
• Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures, and components, ensuring manufacturability and safety.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis to simulate mechanical performance, validate design assumptions, and correlate analytical results with test data.
• Work with metallic/composite materials in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechanical components, with consideration for their unique properties such as anisotropy, delamination risk, and layup configuration.
• Support lab safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and improvement of test capabilities.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical/fluids testing.
• Understanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics.
• Experienced with active and passive cooling solutions and their integration at component and system level.
• Proficiency with mechanical testing of large structures and ground vehicles.
• Experience with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience applying first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly to new tools, processes, and technical challenges in a fast paced, startup environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems for large ground vehicles.
• Hands-on experience performing MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) including vibration, shock, thermal, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.
• Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators.
• Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby).
• Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments.