Mechanical Design Engineer
Analytical Mechanics Associates
Summary
Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) of Hampton, VA is seeking candidates with Senior Mechanical Designer or Senior Mechanical Drafter experience to support aircraft-based science and research missions at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.
Job description
The qualified candidates will provide technical solutions to a wide range of mechanical design, structural analysis, and aircraft integration challenges associated with airborne science systems, research instrumentation, and flight hardware operating in the Earth's atmosphere.
Responsibilities
- Develop mechanical designs and engineering drawings for scientific instruments, equipment, and supporting hardware to be installed aboard research aircraft.
- Perform structural, mechanical, and installation analyses to substantiate airborne hardware designs.
- Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, installation packages, and supporting technical documentation.
- Support the integration of scientific payloads, sensors, and mission equipment into manned research aircraft.
- Evaluate designs for structural integrity, manufacturability, maintainability, operability, and flight safety.
- Prepare engineering documentation demonstrating compliance with NASA and FAA guidance for aircraft-installed hardware.
- Support hardware fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, certification, and operational readiness activities.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, scientists, technicians, and flight operations personnel.
- Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, risk assessments, and project planning activities.
- Develop reports, presentations, analysis packages, and other technical documentation.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical and integration issues encountered during testing and flight operations.
- Support field deployments and aircraft mission activities as required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; OR 6 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated experience with aircraft modifications, aerospace structures, mechanical design, structural analysis, or scientific payload integration.
- Demonstrated experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation packages.
- Experience performing engineering analyses to substantiate mechanical designs and aircraft-installed hardware.
- Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, or operation of mechanical systems.
- Proficiency with 3D parametric CAD software.
- Ability to work independently under general direction.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- US Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience supporting aircraft modifications, airborne science missions, or flight research programs.
- Experience integrating scientific instruments, sensors, or mission equipment into aircraft or aerospace systems.
- Experience preparing engineering documentation supporting airworthiness, flight safety, or regulatory compliance.
- Knowledge of FAA and NASA requirements associated with research aircraft operations.
- Experience with structural analysis methods, hand calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), or load-path assessments.
- Experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill.
- Experience working with airborne instrumentation, flight hardware, or aerospace structures.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; OR 6 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated experience with aircraft modifications, aerospace structures, mechanical design, structural analysis, or scientific payload integration.
- Demonstrated experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation packages.
- Experience performing engineering analyses to substantiate mechanical designs and aircraft-installed hardware.
- Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, or operation of mechanical systems.
- Proficiency with 3D parametric CAD software.
- Ability to work independently under general direction.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- US Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Benefits
- Paid personal leave
- Federally recognized holiday leave
- 401(k) Matching
- Tuition reimbursement
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
Company overview
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is a specialized research and engineering consulting firm focused on advanced mechanics and aerospace applications. The company provides sophisticated analytical services in structural dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermal analysis, and computational modeling for aerospace, defense, and advanced technology sectors. With expertise in both theoretical and applied mechanics, AMA supports clients with complex engineering challenges including spacecraft design, propulsion systems analysis, structural integrity assessments, and advanced materials development. The firm's services encompass research and development, engineering analysis, simulation and modeling, and technical consulting for government agencies, aerospace contractors, and research institutions. AMA combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical engineering experience to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical applications in space exploration, defense systems, and advanced transportation technologies.