Mechanical Engineering Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Psionic, Inc. is seeking an early career Mechanical Engineer to help develop innovative, production‑ready instrumentation for next‑generation electro‑optics systems. The ideal candidate brings a diverse, hands‑on background in mechanical engineering and electro‑optical instrumentation and will complement our on‑site team in Hampton, Virginia. What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doingThis role focuses on developing next‑generation lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to design, analyze, prototype, and test mechanical and electromechanical subsystems that meet rigorous aerospace and defense standards. Responsibilities include creating CAD models, performing structural and thermal analyses, supporting prototyping and assembly, and validating designs through analysis and test. The role requires applying core principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, and materials science.Our systems must operate reliably under demanding environmental conditions. The candidate will verify product performance through modeling and testing. Projects span lab demonstrations, field measurement campaigns, prototype development, and transitioning designs into manufacturing.Required Education & RequirementsBS or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.0–5 years of hands‑on engineering experience.Strong written and oral communication skills.Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and experience designing and analyzing mechanical and optomechanical systems.Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).Ability to learn new skills and adapt to emerging technologies.Experience with systems engineering principles and full life‑cycle product development.Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose issues during product testing.Experience with the design, development, calibration, and deployment of advanced electronic measurement or instrumentation systems-particularly for laboratory, aero, or space‑flight applications-is a plus.Structural and thermal analysis experience is a plus.Major ResponsibilitiesDevelop mechanical and electromechanical products by interpreting customer requirements, researching manufacturing and assembly methods, evaluating materials, and incorporating operator feedback.Create 3D CAD models and detailed drawings that account for manufacturability, harsh‑environment performance, and cost.Analyze designs to ensure compliance with structural, thermal, and environmental requirements.Ensure product and system quality by developing test methods, verifying performance, and validating fabrication, assembly, and installation processes.Prepare clear, concise engineering reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical data and trends.Communicate engineering information effectively through written documentation and oral presentations.Maintain product and company compliance with applicable government regulations.Serve as the mechanical and structural lead for assembly and manufacturing, including documentation, technician training, and hands‑on guidance.Contribute to overall system success by applying mechanical engineering expertise, identifying interface issues, collaborating effectively with other disciplines, and supporting hardware development for space‑flight and defense systems.Team Culture/BenefitsJoin a diverse and dynamic team that provides creative opportunities, collaborative efforts, and groundbreaking technology Flexible work scheduleCareer growth- Psionic, Inc. values and invests in its family and promotes from within regularlyWe offer a competitive salaryBenefits including health, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k) Who We AreBorn in space and engineered for extreme performance, Psionic, Inc. is more than technology. Integrity, teamwork and customer focus are among the values that define who we are individually and as a company. ‍ Our core team is comprised of many of the experts and engineers behind NASA's groundbreaking technology and we have added industry experts to help us solve important problems for the world's Space, Defense, and Automotive industries and organizations.Psionic, Inc. Values our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. We are a startup, focused on lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles. We are building a culture of high performance that we think can change the world for the better. Based in Hampton, Virginia. Psionic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to export-controlledtechnology or software source code and the position is subject to U.S. export control laws.