Mechanical Design Engineer
Analytical Mechanics Associates· Research· Oct 26, 2026 · 2d ago
Hampton, VA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$114K–$160K est.
3+ years exp
Job description
Job Description:
Job Description:
Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) of Hampton, VA is seeking candidates with Senior Mechanical Designer or Senior Mechanical Drafter experience to support aircraft-based science and research missions at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The qualified candidates will provide technical solutions to a wide range of mechanical design, structural analysis, and aircraft integration challenges associated with airborne science systems, research instrumentation, and flight hardware operating in the Earth s atmosphere.
The successful candidate will support the design, analysis, integration, testing, and operation of scientific equipment installed aboard manned research aircraft. Responsibilities include developing designs to integrate scientific instruments and mission equipment into aircraft, conducting engineering analyses to substantiate those designs, and preparing documentation demonstrating compliance with NASA and FAA requirements for flight operations.
This position will support the Research, Science and Engineering Services (RSES) contract onsite at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, with local telework opportunities as dictated by customer requirements.
The salary range for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
US Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required.
This position is contingent upon being awarded the work.
Job Descriptions:
Senior Mechanical Designer:
The qualified candidate will support the design, analysis, integration, testing, and operation of airborne science equipment and supporting hardware for NASA research aircraft. This role requires an individual who understands, visualizes, analyzes, designs, and supports aerospace vehicles and structures operating within the Earth s atmosphere. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, aircraft operators, and project management personnel to ensure research systems are safely and effectively integrated into aircraft and meet all applicable mission and airworthiness requirements.
Responsibilities:
Develop mechanical designs and engineering drawings for scientific instruments, equipment, and supporting hardware to be installed aboard research aircraft.
Perform structural, mechanical, and installation analyses to substantiate airborne hardware designs.
Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, installation packages, and supporting technical documentation.
Support the integration of scientific payloads, sensors, and mission equipment into manned research aircraft.
Evaluate designs for structural integrity, manufacturability, maintainability, operability, and flight safety.
Prepare engineering documentation demonstrating compliance with NASA and FAA guidance for aircraft-installed hardware.
Support hardware fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, certification, and operational readiness activities.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, scientists, technicians, and flight operations personnel.
Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, risk assessments, and project planning activities.
Develop reports, presentations, analysis packages, and other technical documentation.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical and integration issues encountered during testing and flight operations.
Support field deployments and aircraft mission activities as required.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; OR 6 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrated experience with aircraft modifications, aerospace structures, mechanical design, structural analysis, or scientific payload integration.
Demonstrated experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation packages.
Experience performing engineering analyses to substantiate mechanical designs and aircraft-installed hardware.
Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, or operation of mechanical systems.
Proficiency with 3D parametric CAD software.
Ability to work independently under general direction.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
US Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience supporting aircraft modifications, airborne science missions, or flight research programs.
Experience integrating scientific instruments, sensors, or mission equipment into aircraft or aerospace systems.
Experience preparing engineering documentation supporting airworthiness, flight safety, or regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of FAA and NASA requirements associated with research aircraft operations.
Experience with structural analysis methods, hand calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), or load-path assessments.
Experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill.
Experience working with airborne instrumentation, flight hardware, or aerospace structures.
Senior Mechanical Drafter:
Produces and maintains detailed engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, installation packages, bills of material, assembly drawings, and configuration-controlled documentation supporting airborne science systems and aircraft modifications. Works closely with engineers, scientists, and technicians to translate engineering concepts into fabrication, installation, and integration drawings. Supports design reviews, hardware integration activities, engineering analyses, and technical documentation efforts to ensure research aircraft modifications comply with applicable NASA and FAA requirements while supporting aircraft safety and mission success.
Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, CAD/CADD Technology, Engineering Graphics, or related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; OR 6 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a degree. Proficiency with 3D parametric CAD software is required. Experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill is highly desired.
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn .
AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.
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