Staff Mechanical Engineer

Staff Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary: 

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in the design, development, and validation of mechanical components and systems for new aircraft programs. This position supports multi-disciplinary product development activities, including concept creation, detailed design, analysis, test planning, and integration. The Staff Mechanical Engineer will produce 3D models, drawings, and engineering documentation; perform structural and thermal analyses; and collaborate closely with internal teams, suppliers, and manufacturing to ensure successful execution of design intent. This role requires strong technical proficiency, solid organizational skills, and the ability to apply engineering judgment in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a mid-level engineering position that offers the opportunity to contribute across the full product lifecycle—from requirements definition through prototype build and test. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Create or modify 3-D models, detailed drawings, assemblies and installations, system requirements, interface/supplier control drawings, performance specifications, system checkout procedures and statements of work. 

• Structural or thermal analysis of structures and systems. 

• Support the creation of system requirements, trade studies, sub-component and test plans. 

• Optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM), assembly (DFA), and maintainability. 

• Support the creation of engineering development work orders, build guides and travelers. 

• Collaborate with machinists, technicians, and manufacturing engineers to iterate quickly. 

• Support and/or lead the development, test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems. 

• Coordinate with internal and external integrated product teams. 

• Provide manufacturing, component test and ground/flight test support. 

• Utilize PDM for revision and configuration control 

• Create and participate in design reviews 

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers 

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning within the discipline 

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering. 

• Minimum 9 years of mechanical design experience 

• Expert with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (or similar) 

• Expert at detailing drawings to include appropriate use of GD&T 

• Experience with HyperWorks (or similar)  

• Proficient at system integration and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. 

• Experience with Full Lifecycle Product Development 

• Hands-on experience working with machine shops, integrating prototype designs, and conducting validation tests. 

• Advanced understanding of structures, mechanisms, system layout, and materials 

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

• Solid organizational Skills and detailed oriented 

• Strong Writing Skills 

Desired Qualifications and Skills: 

• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, systems engineering, etc. 

• Experience with composite design and layup 

• Experience with DFM/A 

• Experience transitioning a product to production 

• Experience with Risk Management 

• Familiarity with Military standards relating to the mechanical design of aircraft. 

• Familiarity with Engineering Change Requests/Orders ECR/Os 

• Experience with a gated design process/workflow 

• Experience with supplier management and procurement (such as SOWs, RFPs, and/or vendor management) 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview: 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA 

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