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X-Force
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Join a small, high-impact engineering team building realistic, ruggedized training systems and simulator hardware for aerospace applications. You’ll take ideas from napkin sketch to flight-ready prototype—owning the mechanical concept, detailed design, analysis, documentation, and first-article build. If you love SolidWorks, elegant mechanisms, and making complex electromechanical systems feel like the real aircraft, this is your kind of playground.
Responsibilities
If you’re passionate about building realistic flight training hardware and enjoy solving unique mechanical design challenges, we’d love to see your work.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
Join a small, high-impact engineering team building realistic, ruggedized training systems and simulator hardware for aerospace applications. You’ll take ideas from napkin sketch to flight-ready prototype—owning the mechanical concept, detailed design, analysis, documentation, and first-article build. If you love SolidWorks, elegant mechanisms, and making complex electromechanical systems feel like the real aircraft, this is your kind of playground.
Responsibilities
- Translate research and requirements into mechanical concepts, models, and detailed plans in SolidWorks.
- Create and maintain robust 3D parts, assemblies, and drawings, including full GD&T to ensure accuracy, cost control, and quality.
- Design pilot-vehicle interface structures and mechanisms (e.g., grips, pedals, seats, engine controls) that accurately emulate aircraft behavior.
- Engineer illuminated panels/bezels and LCD backlight assemblies (CFL/LED/NVIS LED, reflectors, light guides, turning films) to meet brightness and uniformity targets.
- Perform FEA on critical elements; analyze results and iterate designs to meet structural and performance requirements.
- Reverse-engineer flight instruments and OEM devices; scan and manipulate models to create accurate replica designs.
- Develop electromechanical solutions without complete specs, proposing novel approaches that satisfy training objectives.
- Research and select mechanical components (solenoids, dampers, stepper motors) and electrical components (LCDs, LEDs, encoders, switches, potentiometers).
- Specify motion/servo components for control feel and motion bases; evaluate visual system elements (video generators, terrain databases, monitors, projectors, domes) for “out-the-window” views.
- Produce complete part/assembly documentation packages and clear work instructions.
- Prototype, test, and oversee first-article/first-fit builds; conduct as-built investigations and update build-to-print packages.
- Drive design-for-manufacture and serviceability; interface directly with fabricators and vendors to deliver cost-effective solutions.
- Support procurement with alternate component sourcing.
- Provide customer-facing technical support and collaborate to refine requirements.
- Manage design work to cost targets and phase-gated schedules; lead small and large system efforts as needed.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience.
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or comparable 3D CAD); solid mechanical aptitude.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
- Ability to lead projects and coordinate work across multiple mechanical designers.
- Excellent communication skills with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
- Working knowledge of applicable design/safety standards.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing, assembly, and system integration methods.
- Experience with validation and troubleshooting processes.
- Competence in limits & fits and in reading/interpreting GD&T drawings.
- Demonstrated judgment and independence in planning and accomplishing goals; comfortable working under general supervision when not leading.
- Experience designing illuminated aircraft panels/bezels and LCD backlighting (including NVIS).
- Hands-on FEA workflow from setup through design iteration.
- Background in aerospace or training/simulator products and materials.
- Experience integrating OEM/real-aircraft equipment into training systems.
- Familiarity with motion/servo systems for realistic control feel and with visual system integration (projectors, domes, terrain databases).
- 3D scanning/reverse-engineering and model manipulation for replica designs.
- Vendor collaboration, cost-down engineering, and alternate component sourcing.
If you’re passionate about building realistic flight training hardware and enjoy solving unique mechanical design challenges, we’d love to see your work.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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