Senior Mechanical Engineer

LTA Research and Exploration, an aerospace start-up, is seeking a motivated Senior Power Electronics Control Engineer to help build an experimental ‘lighter than air’ flight vehicle. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication, and assembly of an electric airship. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight hardware development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot". This unique position allows for hand-on participation through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental flight vehicle in collaboration with firmware and system teams.  We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Power Electronics Control Engineer to help design and implement our control methods onto the electronics/power electronics hardware of our lighter than air flight vehicles.

Responsibilities Design and develop complex mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems for flight and ground equipment

Validate mechanical and fluid systems through structural and thermal analyses, using classical engineering methods and advanced simulation tools

Create detailed manufacturing drawings incorporating GD&T (ASME Y14.5) standards

Interface with cross-functional engineering teams to verify system integrations meet requirements and performance metrics

Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and external machine shops to ensure components are optimized for manufacturability and assembly

Build test plans, oversee qualification testing, and analyze data for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems

Present engineering solutions and analysis results during cross-departmental design reviews

Investigate and resolve non-conformances and failures through root cause analysis

Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

5+ years of professional engineering experience in mechanical or aerospace industries

Proficiency in CAD modeling and creating drawings with SolidWorks (or similar)

Experience working with PDM/PLM tools

Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, including mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics

Demonstrated experience in end-to-end design and sizing of mechanical structures, thermal management systems, and fluid routing components

Demonstrated experience with GD&T and traditional manufacturing processes

Experience working with Finite Element Analysis in FEMAP/Nastran (or similar)

Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Demonstrated experience designing highly loaded/lightweight structural components (including composite and metallic)

Demonstrated experience with coupled thermo-mechanical systems, active thermal management solutions, and high-pressure fluid routing for extreme environments

Expert-level use of Finite Element Analysis tools

What We Offer! Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)

Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances

Parental leave

Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays

401(k) matching up to 6%

Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly cell phone stipend

Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field

Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride

An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements Criminal background check clearance

Drug test clearance wherever applicable

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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.