Senior Mechanical Engineer�
Job Summary:�
The Senior Mechanical� Design� Engineer� is responsible for� the design, development, and integration of mechanical systems for� aircraft� products. This role applies advanced engineering knowledge, analytical skills, and independent judgment to drive mechanical design, support testing and validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The Senior� Mechanical Design� Engineer leads complex technical tasks, contributes to design strategy, and ensures mechanical solutions meet performance, manufacturability, quality, and reliability requirements.�
Responsibilities and Duties:�
Develop,� modify, and� optimize� 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies to meet mechanical design� objectives.�
Perform structural, thermal, and systems-level analysis to evaluate design performance and reliability.�
Contribute to system requirements definition, trade studies, subsystem design approaches, and verification/validation planning.�
Generate and review engineering documentation such as work orders, build guides, and process travelers, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and configuration control.�
Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, technicians, and other engineering disciplines to support design iterations and resolve technical challenges.�
Support test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems, documenting results and incorporating findings into design improvements.�
Maintain configuration control and documentation integrity using PDM/PLM systems.�
Participate in and provide input during design reviews, offering technical rationale, recommendations, and risk assessments.�
Identify� design risks, propose mitigations, and implement improvements to enhance manufacturability, safety, and product performance.�
Mentor junior engineers and support development of engineering team skills.�
Required Qualifications and Skills:�
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field;� master’s� preferred.�
5–9 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, preferably in aerospace or complex mechanical systems.�
Proficiency� with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD tools, including drawing creation and revision control.�
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, assemblies, structures, mechanisms, and materials.�
Hands-on experience with design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) principles.�
Ability to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage complex engineering tasks.�
Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.�
Proficiency� in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).�
Desired Qualifications and Skills:�
Experience with composite materials, precision machining, or advanced fabrication methods.�
Knowledge of complementary disciplines such as stress analysis, dynamics, thermal analysis, or systems engineering.�
Familiarity with structured development processes, gated design workflows, or PLM systems.�
Experience with regulated quality standards such as ISO9001 or AS9100.�
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:�
Health & Wellness:� Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.�
Paid Time Off:� Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours� accrued� plus an� additional� 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.�
Life Insurance:� $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the� option� to� purchase� additional� coverage for employees and their families.�
Supplemental Coverage:� Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.�
Health Savings Account (HSA):� Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.�
Retirement Savings:� 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.�
Paid Holidays:� Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.�
Work Environment:� A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.�
Ideal Location:� Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!�
Company Overview:�
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in� cutting-edge� system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while� maintaining� the highest standards of engineering services.�
At ESAero, we� don’t� just build products, we engineer solutions that propel� �
the aerospace industry forward.�
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**�
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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.� �
E-Verify participation� required� for employment.� �
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. � �
Must be able to pass background check and drug test. � � �
Pay� Range:� $110k - $140k Salary/Exempt