Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer L4

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Level 4) - Aerospace Propulsion Systems
Location: Canoga Park, CA
Schedule: 9/80 Onsite Schedule
Employment Type: Contract with Potential for Direct Hire
Security Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required (No Dual Citizenship)
Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Preferred (Not Required)
Shape the Future of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Level 4) to join an engineering team focused on the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced propulsion systems. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace and defense programs involving high-pressure, high-temperature propulsion hardware and fluid systems.

The ideal candidate will bring strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, hands-on design experience, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test organizations to deliver innovative solutions in a demanding technical environment.
Key Responsibilities Mechanical Design & System Development

• Develop mechanical system concepts that meet customer propulsion and performance requirements.
• Perform preliminary design studies, component sizing, and hardware packaging while meeting mass and volume constraints.
• Design and integrate propulsion systems with vehicle and payload interfaces.
• Create mechanical components and assemblies for high-pressure and extreme-environment applications.
• Evaluate engineering models, drawings, and tolerance analyses to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.

Engineering Analysis & Product Development

• Perform trade studies and support preliminary design efforts using Creo 3D CAD software.
• Review supplier technical data and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve producibility, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Prepare engineering documentation to support design decisions, analyses, investigations, and technical closeout activities.
• Contribute to technical presentations and customer-facing engineering reviews.
• Participate in engineering review boards and support technical decision-making processes.

Drawing & Configuration Management

• Create detailed engineering drawings with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Support design reviews for new and modified products.
• Release and manage engineering documentation through Windchill PLM systems.

Testing & Validation

• Support development, qualification, and validation testing activities for new products and propulsion systems.
• Design and develop test integration hardware for:
  • Flow testing
  • Vibration testing
  • Hot-fire testing
• Assist with test preparation, execution, and data reduction activities as needed.
• Work closely with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure hardware is producible, inspectable, and test-ready.

Preferred Qualifications Technical Experience

• Experience designing, developing, or producing mechanical systems within the aerospace and/or defense industries.
• Knowledge of liquid and gaseous pressurized systems, including:
  • Storage tanks
  • Fluid routing systems
  • Valves
  • Regulators
  • Sealing devices
  • Pressure system components
• Familiarity with liquid-fueled propulsion systems and/or undersea propulsion technologies.
• Understanding of additive manufacturing and traditional fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, and heat treating.
• Experience supporting Material Review Board (MRB) activities and dispositioning non-conforming hardware.

Software & Engineering Tools

• Proficiency with:
  • Creo CAD software
  • Windchill PLM
  • Engineering drawing development and GD&T practices
• Strong understanding of ASME Y14.5 standards.

Education & Experience
Candidates should meet one of the following requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Master's Degree with 4+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience, OR
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in lieu of a degree.

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Active Secret Clearance (or higher) is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work onsite in Canoga Park, California.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, testing, and quality organizations in a fast-paced development environment.

Why Apply?
This contract opportunity offers the chance to work on advanced propulsion technologies supporting critical aerospace and defense programs. You'll be involved throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development and design through testing and qualification, while gaining exposure to complex engineering challenges and a potential path to direct employment.

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