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Aerospace Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Mechanical Engineer III (Spacecraft Structures) As an end-to-end responsive space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space ...

New

Mechanical Engineer We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision hydraulic and fuel system components. This role offers the ...

Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado ... About the Position: As a Mechanical Engineer II or III, you will help design and develop ...

Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado ... About the Position: As a Mechanical Engineer II or III, you will help design and develop ...

$135K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of aerospace ... This role requires handson experience with aerospace or spacecraft hardware and a strong ...

Eng Sr Prin II - Aero

UT · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

As a Support Equipment Senior Aerospace/Mechanical Engineer, you will embark on a high-impact career supporting the LGM-35A Sentinel, the nation's next-generation ICBM. In this job, you will serve as ...

Role Summary Specter Aerospace is seeking a Mechanical Engineer 1 to join our engineering team. In this role, you will support the design and development of mechanical components and systems, taking ...

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Perform advanced rotor dynamics and shafting structural analyses for aerospace rotating systems ... Lead technical and mechanical design reviews. * Conduct engineering risk assessments and support ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer (Aerospace & Defense) GSE Dynamics, Inc., a full-service engineering and manufacturing company located in Hauppauge, NY is seeking an experienced Aerospace/Mechanical ...

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Aerospace Mechanical Engineer information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do aerospace mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace mechanical engineer do?

An Aerospace Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves mechanical systems and components used in aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on propulsion systems, structural components, and environmental control systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. Their responsibilities often include analyzing project requirements, conducting simulations, overseeing manufacturing processes, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace mechanical engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, aerodynamics, and materials science, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and industry-specific certifications such as EIT or PE are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate complex solutions. These skills ensure the successful design, analysis, and testing of aerospace systems where precision and safety are critical.

What are some typical challenges aerospace mechanical engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace Mechanical Engineers often collaborate with specialists in fields like avionics, materials science, and systems engineering, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and communication. Balancing mechanical integrity with weight and space constraints, and ensuring compliance with strict industry standards, requires strong teamwork and creative problem-solving. Successful engineers proactively seek input from diverse team members and stay flexible to adapt their designs based on feedback from other disciplines, ensuring project goals are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Aerospace Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerospace Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license (optional)Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign and test aerospace components, work in aerospace firms, government agencies, or research labsDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and aviation sectorsBroadly used across manufacturing, automotive, energy, and other sectors

While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals and similar credentials, Aerospace Mechanical Engineers focus on aerospace systems and components, working mainly in aerospace and defense industries. Mechanical Engineers have a broader application across multiple industries, designing a wide range of mechanical systems.

What can a aerospace mechanical engineer do in aerospace?

An aerospace mechanical engineer designs, analyzes, and tests mechanical systems and components used in aircraft and spacecraft. They work on propulsion systems, structural integrity, thermal management, and material selection, often using CAD software and adhering to safety and industry standards. Their role ensures the reliability, efficiency, and safety of aerospace vehicles and equipment.
More about Aerospace Mechanical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Aerospace Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Aerospace Mechanical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Aerospace Mechanical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerospace Mechanical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer III (Spacecraft Structures)

Firefly Aerospace

WI • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Mechanical Engineer III (Spacecraft Structures)

As an end-to-end responsive space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

Firefly is looking for an experienced spacecraft structures engineer to develop our state-of-the-art primary and secondary structures throughout the product life cycle for both our Blue Ghost Lunar Lander and Elytra vehicles. You will be part of a highly skilled, dynamic team that will involve you in all aspects of analysis, design, fabrication, and testing. Excellent collaboration and communication skills, along with a positive attitude are critical.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Firefly engineers own and influence the entire hardware design cycle including conceptual design, structural layout, sizing analysis, hardware production, and structural testing.
  • Design and development of composite and metallic structures for orbital and lander spacecraft.
  • Mass and production rate optimization of existing designs and requalifying designs.
  • Supporting production teams with onsite review and verification as well as providing timely closure of non-conformance dispositions.
  • Support configuration development and trade studies for future spacecraft missions.
  • Maintain requirements compliance and verification, hardware delivery schedule, mass budgets and inter-system collaboration activities.
  • Create CAD, manufacturing drawings, specifications, analysis reports, test plans and reports.
  • Perform first order strength and sizing calculations for your structure, working alongside stress and dynamics analysts to document critical strength capabilities.
QUALIFICATIONS Required
  • B.S. degree in aerospace, mechanical, or civil engineering and 5+ years of experience in aerospace or related structures engineering.
  • Strong design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Siemens NX / FiberSim preferable).
  • Strong understanding of ASME Y14.5 and drafting techniques for component and assembly specifications.
  • Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical guidance and insight.
  • Demonstrated experience with precision structural integration and manufacturing techniques.
  • M.S. degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and/or 5+ years of experience.
  • Working knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, material selection, testing, and characterization.
  • Experience with industry FEA/FEM tools like Nastran, ANSYS, FEMAP, Simcenter, etc.
  • Experience with advanced honeycomb panel design and manufacturing techniques, including heat pipe integration and thermal control systems.
  • Experience with vehicle level static and vibroacoustic testing.
  • Familiarity with aerospace standard structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, etc).

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status

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