Mechanical Engineer in Herndon, Virginia at Aventra Defense Systems Inc
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Job Description
Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems within our high-altitude platform product line — from early prototype through a field-ready, producible design. This is a hands-on, individual-contributor role with clear subsystem ownership: you'll take a specific piece of the high-altitude system and drive it from where it stands today toward a production-ready product.
Key Responsibilities Subsystem Design- Own mechanical design of an assigned high-altitude subsystem, building on existing prototypes and designs
- Design for reliability, manufacturability, and cost at the subsystem level
- Run bench and field testing to validate performance across environmental and altitude conditions
Productization- Drive the transition from working prototype to a field-ready, producible design
- Identify and resolve manufacturing, sourcing, and reliability issues before they reach production
- Support production handoff once a design is field-validated
Integration & Iteration- Coordinate with electrical and software teams on actuation, control, and sensor feedback interfaces relevant to the subsystem
- Incorporate flight test data and field feedback into iterative design improvements
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 3-6 years of industry experience in mechanical design, ideally including high-altitude, pneumatic/fluidic, or release/deployment mechanisms
- Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or OnShape, with a demonstrable portfolio of designs you've taken from concept through hardware
- Hands-on prototyping and testing experience
- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with high-altitude balloon systems, valves, ballast/release mechanisms, or other stratospheric platform hardware
- Aerospace or defense hardware background
- Startup/small company experience
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered
- 4% 401k match
- PTO and Sick Leave
Travel & Work EnvironmentTravel Requirements- Travel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locations
- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments
- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes
Work Environment- In-person role based in Herndon, VA
- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions
- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success
$120,000 - $185,000 a year