Senior Mechanical Engineer I

San Diego, CA

Full Time

Mechanical

Experienced

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer I at Innoflight, you will serve as a principal-level contributor providing technical leadership for the design, analysis, and integration of complex mechanical systems for aerospace and spaceflight applications. You will drive system-level solutions across multiple programs, resolve challenging engineering problems, and mentor engineers while upholding rigorous engineering standards. Your work will influence program architecture, risk mitigation, and cross-functional integration, ensuring mission-critical hardware meets requirements, performance, cost, and schedule objectives.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead full lifecycle mechanical development: Drive mechanical design from concept through qualification, production, and sustainment for complex, high-reliability systems.
Serve as senior technical authority: Provide design direction and ensure alignment with system-level requirements, performance, cost, and schedule.
Perform and review advanced analyses: Conduct and validate thermal, structural, and dynamic analyses using hand calculations and FEA tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and NASTRAN.
Define architectures and trade studies: Develop and review mechanical architectures, risk mitigation strategies, and design trade studies for high-impact programs.
Oversee documentation and approvals: Review, approve, and sign off on critical technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and analysis reports.
Collaborate cross-functionally: Lead mechanical requirements development with systems engineering, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Lead technical reviews and anomaly boards: Chair design reviews, anomaly resolution boards, and customer-facing technical discussions.
Support suppliers and external partners: Provide oversight on supplier designs, requirement compliance, and acceptance of delivered hardware.
Investigate and resolve failures: Lead root cause investigations for complex failures and drive corrective action implementation.
Mentor engineers and shape best practices: Guide senior and mid-level engineers and promote mechanical engineering standards and lessons learned across programs.
Support proposals and technology initiatives: Contribute to proposal efforts, technical roadmaps, and long-term technology development strategies.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

Leading complex mechanical engineering programs: Delivering solutions for high-reliability aerospace and spaceflight hardware.
Advanced analysis and design: Performing and reviewing thermal, structural, and dynamic FEA using SolidWorks, ANSYS, or NASTRAN.
Mentoring and technical guidance: Supporting engineers across skill levels and driving knowledge sharing.
Cross-functional collaboration: Working effectively with systems, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Problem-solving and decision-making: Tackling high-risk engineering challenges with strong judgment and analytical skills.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
12 or more years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, including aerospace, spaceflight, or defense systems.
Expert proficiency in SolidWorks and related CAD tools for complex assemblies and production drawings.
Advanced experience with FEA using SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and/or NASTRAN.
Electronic packaging design experience required.
Deep understanding of environmental and structural design considerations, including shock, vibration, thermal, and fatigue.
Knowledge of applicable standards such as MIL, NASA, and GEVS, and their application to design, test, and qualification.
Proven ability to lead technically complex programs and influence cross-functional teams.
Experience mentoring engineers and shaping technical development across an organization.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and engineering judgment skills.
Hands-on lab experience assembling and disassembling hardware.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
Experience with satellite hardware, space environments, or other high-reliability systems strongly preferred.
Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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Senior Mechanical Engineer I

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