The Mechanical Engineer III will lead or work with assigned engineering teams to support the design and analysis of either

• Aircraft modifications and upgrades.
• Ground vehicle and/or CONEX shelters.

Essential Functions:

• Perform mechanical engineering analysis using ANSYS to support the development and evaluation of new design concepts based on customer requirements, existing drawings, and on-site surveys, acting as either a team member or mechanical lead.
• Develop and execute finite element models (FEM) in ANSYS to assess structural integrity, vibration response, thermal behavior, and load paths for assemblies, sub-assemblies, and installed systems.
• Use simulation-driven design approaches to validate concepts prior to fabrication, incorporating mock-ups and/or 3D printed parts to correlate physical fit and functional performance with analytical results.
• Translate design concepts and requirements into detailed, analysis-informed designs using 3D CAD software, ensuring compatibility with simulation models and manufacturability.
• Prepare, review, and evaluate engineering documentation including analysis reports, simulation results, specifications, and test plans, ensuring correlation between analytical predictions and verification methods.
• Develop and present analysis-driven briefings for design review milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR), clearly communicating modeling assumptions, results, margins, and risks to stakeholders and customers.
• Analyze and evaluate design interfaces, including mechanical, thermal, and dynamic interactions between components and systems.
• Develop or support engineering reports such as Weight and Balance Reports, incorporating both calculated data and simulation outputs to assess system impacts from new installations or removals.
• Work under general supervision to solve routine to moderately complex engineering problems, leveraging simulation tools and established analytical methods.
• Review and approve analysis results, engineering drawings, and technical reports developed by other engineers to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with requirements.
• Perform additional engineering and analysis duties as required to support program objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Desired Functions:

• Perform detailed structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and hand calculation methods.
• Compose results into analysis reports for airworthiness review.
• Experience with MIL-STD-810 Transportation loads for military vehicles

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering preferred.

Experience:

• Nine years required for BS level.
• Seven years required for MS level.
• Minimum of five years experience required in military and / or civil aviation supporting the design of system upgrades for aircraft.

Essential

• Experience with 3D CAD packages required (SolidWorks desired)

Desired

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis Software (ANSYS preferred)
• Understanding of basic hand calculations from industry standard references (Bruhn, Niu, Shigley, Roark, etc. preferred.  Solid understanding of mechanics of materials and machine design coursework accepted)
• Experience with design using composite materials desired

Any combination of education/experience may be substituted for job requirements at the recommendation of the hiring manager and approval of the COO or higher.

Physical Requirements:

Works in well-lighted, climate control facility. Works in a fast-paced environment with consistently changing workload; Must be able to see with corrective eye wear and hear clearly with assistance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Expected to handle/manage hazardous materials/waste in accordance with regulatory and industrial standards. Wears/maintains personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, hearing, extremities, respiratory devices, protective shields and barriers as required.