Job Description

Do you have a passion for creating spacecraft structures and other mechanical based systems that will be launched into space?

Are you searching for unique and truly meaningful work in the Space Industry?

Are you passionate about spacecraft mechanical system engineering?

Do you like contributing to challenging projects, where creativity combines with reality as you lead teams developing one of a kind spacecraft systems and sub-systems that are launched into space?

If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a mechanical systems engineer to help us lead the teams that will design, build, test and launch the next generation of Civilian and Military space mechanical systems for lunar, earth orbiting and inter-planetary exploration missions.

You will be joining a hardworking team of mechanical, thermal, dynamics and structural engineers who design, analyze, assemble and test space flight hardware. You will work alongside and lead our very capable mechanical technical staff conducting spacecraft and sub-system assembly, test and launch operations. We are passionate about our work. We strive to foster an environment of teamwork. Our team highly values leadership and communication skills.

As an APL mechanical systems engineer you can expect to...

• Lead and coordinate the development of mechanical systems requirements, interfaces, ICD's and other program level documents that define and guide our mechanical systems development processes.
• Assist the flight and mission system engineers developing the mechanical systems that support the missions
• Lead and manage trade studies as well as assuming the overall responsibility for ensuring the mechanical systems and sub-systems you manage and lead, will meet program schedule and reliability requirements.
• Lead and manage mechanical system design reviews and present materials at peer reviews and all major program reviews.
• Work alongside sub-system leads to develop environmental test plans and procedures.
• Develop statements of work and manage external contracts for high value aerospace hardware development items such as solar array drives, structure fabrication, system development contracts, etc.
• Attend and participate in launch system integration meeting and reviews
• Oversee the bus structure design and fabrication tasks
• Provide inputs to develop sufficient staffing, schedules and budgets.
• Lead the development of handling procedures and mechanical support equipment as required to lift, move, integrate and transport high value aerospace hardware on site and for air and/or over the road shipments to support launch site operations
• When issues arise, you may interface with our internal state of the art fabrication facilities.
• On occasions, you may work as a member of a proposal team, made up of diverse engineering specialties, in the generation of spaceflight proposals for various sponsors.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Have 5 or more years of experience working on aerospace or equivalent projects.
• Have demonstrated the ability to lead a major flight subsystem through concept, design, analysis and test.
• Have experience in drafting and managing schedules and budgets and executing those plans
• Demonstrate you work well as a member of a team with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Are willing and able to travel to suppliers and sponsors and present materials at design reviews and work a variable schedule during limited times of environmental testing.
• Are able to ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a MS or PHD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Have completed several aerospace projects from start to finish as Lead Mechanical Engineer
• Demonstrated the ability to work closely with both the mechanical designers in all phases of the design and analysis process and with technicians during testing.
• Have experience in the development and qualification of precision space rated mechanisms
• Have experience in the selection of and fabrication of aerospace materials, including composites, coatings and lubrication experience.
• Have experience in the design, analysis and test of aerospace mechanisms and robotics.
• Have the ability to read and understand mechanical drawings to ensure the drawings meet the design intent.
• Are willing to manage and mentor junior engineers

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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