Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Do you want to design and build unique scientific instruments for NASA spacecraft that enable groundbreaking scientific discovery throughout the solar system and beyond?

Are you passionate about strengthening our nation's security by developing advanced space systems that support critical defense missions?

Do you enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment with engineers from multiple disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver flight hardware?

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer ready to take on new challenges as part of our team leading the design, development, integration, and delivery of spaceflight hardware for both civil space exploration and national security missions. You will work alongside systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers, in partnership with our companion group, SRX, which provides electronics, FPGA, firmware, and software expertise.

Together, we design, analyze, build, integrate, test, and deliver high-performance spaceflight instruments and payloads that operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our work spans the complete program lifecycle—from concept development and proposal efforts through design, fabrication, environmental qualification, integration, launch support, and on‑orbit operations. Our programs support NASA's science portfolio, including missions such as Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and future flagship missions, while also advancing innovative technologies and operational capabilities for Department of War and other national security space missions.

• Design, draft, and oversee fabrication of parts and sub‑assemblies.
• Perform mechanical analyses and/or interface with thermal and stress engineers to verify design integrity.
• Design mechanical GSE and test fixtures.
• Work closely with scientists to determine appropriate mechanical requirements.
• Provide input to instrument proposals and assist in development of new and improved instrument concepts.

• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Must be familiar with PTC and/or Solidworks CAD software.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and must have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Must have strong technical experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
• Must be willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to NASA facilities and sub‑contractor sites.
• Must be willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
• Must be willing and able to ultimately obtain Top Secret SCI‑level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.
• Must meet U.S. Citizenship status required to access APL’s facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws.

• Hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Have hands‑on experience with hardware integration and/or testing.
• Have experience with structural and thermal analysis.
• Have basic knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

$85,000 Annually

$165,000 Annually