Space Systems Mechanical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Space Systems Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and test spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and payload interfaces for cutting-edge missions. You will perform structural and thermal analyses, develop 3D CAD models, create drawings and documentation, and support integration and environmental testing. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, you'll solve complex engineering challenges, contribute to proposals and reviews, and mentor junior staff in a mission-driven, research-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Design spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and payload interfaces using 3
• D CAD tools
• Perform structural and thermal analyses, including FEA, to validate designs
• Develop engineering drawings, documentation, and configuration-controlled models
• Support integration and environmental testing (vibration, thermal-vacuum) of hardware
• Collaborate with systems, thermal, electrical, and mission teams to meet requirements
• Contribute to technical reviews, trade studies, and proposals for new missions
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, test, and operations phases
• Mentor junior engineers and interns on best practices in mechanical design

Required Skills

• Spacecraft mechanical design3
• D CAD (e.g., CREO, Solid
• Works)
• Finite element analysis (FEA)
• Structural analysis
• Thermal analysis
• Mechanism design
• Environmental testing (vibe/thermal-vac)
• Systems engineering support
• Technical documentation & drawings
• Configuration management