Mechanical Engineer: Stage Structures

Mechanical Engineer II: Stage Structures

Summary

You will be part of a team of driven and enthusiastic professionals working to revolutionize access to space. Vaya Space is a purpose driven, sustainability focused, and environmentally conscious enterprise dedicated to making a difference for humankind.  Vaya's unique vortex-hybrid rocket is projected to disrupt the market, fueled by recycled thermoplastics, it utilizes the equivalent of 2 million discarded plastic bottles per launch. Our breakthrough and patented technologies overcome the safety, affordability, and sustainability issues to transform the space industry, making the world and space a better place.

As a Mechanical Engineer II with our Structural Engineering team, you will be responsible for the design and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures from concept all the way through integration and launch and post-flight analysis.  You will also be involved in project planning and working closely with our test team and manufacturing technicians to ensure components are delivered on time and to specification. 

 

 

To be successful, it is vital that you are comfortable working in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, collaborating to develop innovative solutions in all areas, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail.  A willingness to branch outside your comfort zone is essential… we’re a small fast paced company and everyone pitches in when needed.

 

Travel Required

Up to 10%

 

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•          Own the design and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures from concept all the way through              integration and launch, and post-flight analysis.

•          Derive design requirements and generate key technical documentation, including ICDs, FMEAs, and other critical                          design documents.

•          Perform trade studies with a focus on manufacturability, cost, and schedule.

•          Design and analyze composite and metallic components, including pressurized and unpressurized structures.

•          Create free body diagrams, conduct hand calculations, and run FEA to validate structural performance.

•          Actively collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural designs remain aligned with                    systems, propulsion, avionics, and integration requirements.

•          Take a proactive approach to identifying misalignments and resolving issues early—whether in your own design or in                  interfacing systems.

•          Design, build, and test prototypes, subscale demonstrators, and associated tooling, jigs, and fixtures.

•          Draft test plans and work instructions; collaborate closely with manufacturing and test teams to build and validate                        hardware.

•          Identify and communicate technical, cost and schedule risks.

•          Support technical design trade studies and test article development.

•          Perform other duties as required.

 

Qualifications

•         MSci in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline. 

o    BSci plus 2 years relevant experience in engineering design, test and/or operations in aerospace and/or industrial                       sectors.

•         2+ years of experience on launch vehicles or similar aerospace projects in a technical role.

•         Strong foundation in structural design and analysis principles for composites and metals, with the ability to choose an

           appropriate design and analysis methods and generating results documentation (e.g. margin tables).

•         Proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis.

•         Proficiency in CAD/PLM systems (Siemens NX + Teamcenter preferred)

•         Solid understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) for composites and metals.

•         Familiarity with design under extreme thermal and dynamic environments.

•         Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and manage daily workflow.

•         Experience with full-lifecycle development on complex hardware systems including hands-on experience with                             prototypes or flight hardware builds.

•         Working knowledge of aerospace-grade materials, coatings, treatments, and fastening methods such as bolted joints

           and bonded joints.

•         Familiarity with industry standard specifications (ISO, AFSPCMAN 91-710, SMC-S-016, ASTM, SAE, ASME, etc)

•         Creative, analytical, rigorous, comfortable with ambiguity and able to see and understand "the big picture" in order to                 inform lower-level tasks.

•         Ability to effectively communicate technical information.

•         Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary

•         US Person as defined in 22 CFR Part 120.15 (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees and those given asylum             in the United States, and temporary residents granted amnesty) since work includes ITAR controlled technical data

 

Preferred Skills and Education 

•          Experience working in a new-space startup environment in a technical role.

•          Experience designing and manufacturing filament-wound pressure vessels.

•          Proficient in FEA of composite and metallic structures and components, both pressurized and unpressurized.

•          Design experience for high-vibration, high temp and cryogenic environments.

•          Held a responsible engineering role on a flown or flight-ready launch vehicle component.