Aerospace Engineer Jobs in California

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Test Equipment Engineer to support the design, development, fabrication, and implementation of specialized mechanical test equipment used in advanced aerospace and defense applications.

This position is ideal for a highly skilled mechanical engineer with a strong background in custom test fixture design, mechanical engineering analysis, manufacturing processes, and automated test equipment (ATE).

The successful candidate will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to develop reliable, efficient, and cost-effective test solutions supporting product development, qualification testing, and production operations.

This role requires a combination of hands-on mechanical engineering expertise, strong technical design capabilities, and experience supporting complex test equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Design and develop custom mechanical test fixtures, tooling, adapters, and automated test equipment for aerospace and defense applications.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and mechanical assemblies.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Perform mechanical engineering assessments, including tolerance stack-up and structural analysis.
• Review stress, fatigue, vibration, and thermal analyses to ensure equipment reliability and performance.
• Select appropriate materials, mechanical components, actuators, sensors, bearings, and hardware.
• Design mechanical fixtures and tooling with an emphasis on manufacturability, durability, serviceability, and cost efficiency.

Test Equipment Development & Automation

• Develop mechanical test equipment supporting qualification, acceptance, and production testing.
• Support the integration of mechanical systems with automated test software, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Integrate sensors, load cells, motion-control systems, actuators, and electromechanical components into test equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical test systems to identify performance issues and implement improvements.
• Improve test equipment safety, accuracy, repeatability, reliability, and overall efficiency.
• Support equipment commissioning, validation, maintenance, and continuous improvement.

Manufacturing & Technical Support

• Work closely with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and manufacturing engineers during equipment fabrication and assembly.
• Apply knowledge of manual and CNC machining, fabrication, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Review manufacturing drawings and technical specifications to ensure design feasibility.
• Support prototype development, equipment modifications, and production implementation.
• Investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop technical documentation, assembly instructions, operating procedures, and maintenance guidelines.

Project Coordination & Engineering Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams to define equipment requirements and project deliverables.
• Participate in engineering design reviews, risk assessments, and design/process failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA/PFMEA).
• Support engineering change management and configuration control processes.
• Coordinate with external suppliers involved in test equipment fabrication and assembly.
• Provide technical guidance throughout equipment development, installation, and deployment.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical documentation, and project updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, mechanical test equipment development, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing custom mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and mechanical engineering drawings.
• Experience applying GD&T principles and interpreting engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering analysis, including tolerance stack-up, structural assessments, and design validation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, fabrication, assembly, and inspection.
• Experience supporting prototype development and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, military, or another highly regulated manufacturing industry.
• Experience designing or developing Automated Test Equipment (ATE).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX CAD software.
• Experience with environmental, vibration, structural, or qualification testing.
• Experience supporting production test equipment and manufacturing test operations.
• Knowledge of stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and mechanical motion systems.
• Familiarity with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test software.
• Understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, or additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective action processes, and engineering change management.
• Previous technical project leadership experience.

Work Environment

• Combination of engineering office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on involvement in equipment assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Regular collaboration with engineers, technicians, machinists, and production personnel.
• Occasional domestic or international travel may be required.
• Ability to safely operate and work around mechanical, hydraulic, and electromechanical equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or components weighing up to 33 pounds, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Additional Requirements

U.S. Person status is required under applicable International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and U.S. export control requirements due to the nature of the equipment and technical information involved.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person