Senior Mechanical Engineer - Thermal

Valley Tech Systems, a Voyager Space company, is an innovative engineering company that is leading the way in controllable solid propulsion and open architecture airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies. VTS’ innovative solutions address technology needs across the U.S. Government and commercial space industry, reentry system, missile defense, commercial DoD space launch systems, small launch vehicles, and payloads.

At VTS our mission is to supply the most advanced and innovative solutions to complex problems found in Department of Defense weapon systems. We approach these problems using a “mission-focused”, “customer first” engineering approach. Working at VTS means you will be engaging with industry pioneers at a small company who all work collaboratively to make big things happen.

General Requirements

1. Positive, cooperative, self-motivated, and professional behavior
2. Contribute as necessary to get the job done
3. U.S. citizenship
4. Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Job Description

Analysis

• Has expertise in advanced thermal analysis techniques, such as conjugate heat transfer analysis, multi-physics coupling, and transient thermal analysis.
• Can handle highly complex and challenging thermal analysis scenarios, conduct detailed investigations of thermal responses, and provide expert insights for optimizing thermal designs and addressing thermal management challenges.
• Can handle more complex simulation setups, conduct detailed post-processing and analysis of CFD results, validate and optimize models, and make informed engineering decisions based on the CFD simulations.
• Has the ability to independently set up and run basic structural analysis models using software tools, interpret and analyze basic analysis results, and apply basic engineering judgment to evaluate structural behavior.
• Can independently set up and run basic dynamic analysis models using software tools, interpret and analyze basic dynamic analysis results, and apply basic engineering judgment to evaluate the dynamic behavior of structures.

Materials

• Possesses expertise in advanced ceramic properties, insulator material characterization, and advanced metal types.
• Can conduct detailed characterization, develop customized solutions, contribute to research and innovation, provide expert consultation, lead research projects, and optimize metal selection for challenging applications.
• Has expertise in refractory metal types, their properties, behavior at extreme temperatures, and processing techniques.

Communications

• Possesses exceptional skills in communication theories, presentation design, technical presentation, and writing specialized technical documents.
• Can provide expert guidance on complex communication challenges, develop compelling narratives, tailor content for specific audiences, and provide expert consultation on presentation strategies and audience engagement methods.
• Excels in writing technical documents with precision and accuracy.

System Performance

• Can lead requirements engineering efforts, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and contribute to standards development.
• Has some basic knowledge of rocket motor performance modeling techniques, including combustion modeling and transient response prediction.

Design

• Has some experience in rocket propulsion design including actuators, igniters, pressure vessels, solid rocket motor systems, hot gas valves, and thrusters.
• Has expertise in trade-off analysis, integrating multidisciplinary considerations, and providing comprehensive recommendations for design optimization and decision-making.

Drafting/Modelling

• Possesses adequate skills in designing intricate 2D or 3D models, using CAD commands, and generating technical drawings.
• Can interpret complex GD&T symbols and analyze engineering drawings.

Systems Engineering

• Possesses advanced knowledge of mass estimation techniques, managing complex acquisition programs, and identifying potential risks.
• Has experience in requirements engineering methodologies and can lead teams, perform traceability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Has advanced skills in risk analysis, prioritization, and response planning. Can utilize qualitative and quantitative risk assessment techniques, develop risk mitigation plans, and contribute to the implementation of risk management processes and tools.

Project Management

• Possesses the ability to prepare basic financial statements, lead diverse teams, manage complex operational problems, craft persuasive proposals, and manage complex schedules for large-scale projects.
• Can manage complex operational problems, formulate and solve advanced optimization models, and provide actionable insights for decision-making.
• Has expertise in fostering innovation, implementing strategic initiatives, and managing change effectively.

Manufacturing

Testing

• Possesses knowledge in test assembly and integration, data acquisition systems, measurement techniques, and test strategies.
• Can lead activities, optimize testing processes, troubleshoot instrumentation, and analyze measurement uncertainties.

Ballistics

Experience

Required: Ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of mechanical engineering experience.

Preferred: Rocket motor design and analysis experience

Education

Required: Bachelor of Science required in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university. May consider equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

Preferred: Master of Science required in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university. May consider equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

Other

Must be able to travel approximately 10% of the time.

Salary Range: $131,887 - $268,362

Voyager Space - Defense (Valley Tech Systems) offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

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.

Voyager Space - Defense (Valley Tech Systems) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.