Mechanical Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Georgia
Georgia's mechanical engineering job market is anchored by manufacturing giants, aerospace contractors, and energy companies concentrated in Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus. Employers like Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Novelis regularly hire mechanical engineers and have established histories of sponsoring work visas for qualified international candidates.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Hanwha Qcells is building its first U.S.-based Space Photovoltaic Systems R&D organization, co-located with Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer will determine how our perovskite-silicon tandem cells survive launch and live in orbit. You will own the mechanical architecture from substrate and bonding system design through structural qualification and lead the mechanical materials characterization that defines reliability margins for long-life space missions.
The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer is a principal-level individual contributor who sets the mechanical architecture. You will perform studies and work with partners to determine what substrates cells bond to, how they are bonded, how the structural assembly responds to launch loads, and how it stays intact across a mission lifetime.
Qcells' perovskite-silicon tandem cells are thinner and more mechanically sensitive than conventional space cells, integrated on platforms ranging from rigid CFRP honeycomb to flexible polyimide or woven fabric. This work demands deep materials and structural engineering expertise — and the ability to build hardware and test it, not just model it.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Substrate & Panel Architecture — Technical Ownership
- Define and own the substrate and panel mechanical architecture: evaluate, select, and qualify substrate platforms including rigid CFRP honeycomb, flexible polyimide/PEEK, and woven/fabric structures — assessing CTE compatibility, outgassing compliance (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016), radiation stability, and manufacturability
- Define the panel-level structural configuration: cell layout and density, panel frame and edge seal design, cover glass or protective layer integration, and mechanical interface to the spacecraft structure
- Establish and maintain mechanical design standards, design rules, and mass/stiffness/CTE budget frameworks for the module program
Cell Bonding Systems — Technical Ownership
- Design and own the cell bonding system: select adhesive chemistry, define bond line geometry and cure process, specify inspection criteria, and lead trade studies across bonding approaches — silicone, epoxy, thin-film, lamination, and direct integration (welding, sintering)
- Develop and own the assembly process for cell integration: surface preparation protocols, adhesive dispensing and placement methods, cure monitoring, and process qualification documentation
- Establish bonding quality acceptance criteria and evaluation methods: shear and peel strength testing, cross-section analysis (optical, SEM), thermal cycling endurance, and adhesion retention testing
Structural & Thermal-Mechanical Analysis
- Perform and own structural analysis for the full launch environment — random vibration, sinusoidal sweep, shock, and quasi-static accelerations; lead or directly execute FEA (ANSYS/Abaqus), define analysis methodology, and correlate models to test data
- Define and execute CTE mismatch and thermal-mechanical fatigue analysis for bonded cell-substrate systems: predict delamination risk, cycle life, and bond line stress evolution; develop mission-lifetime reliability predictions and test-to-analysis correlation plans
- Serve as the team's structural authority at design reviews, qualification reviews, and partner technical meetings
Hardware Build & Environmental Test
- Design and build prototype and qualification test article hardware — personally executing cell bonding, coupon fabrication, and panel-level assembly at the bench; design test fixtures and environmental test configurations for TVAC, vibration, shock, and mechanical load campaigns
- Lead or provide senior technical direction for mechanical aspects of environmental test campaigns: test level derivation, data acquisition setup, real-time monitoring criteria, and post-test inspection protocol
- Lead failure analysis on mechanical anomalies: optical and electron microscopy, cross-section preparation and analysis, root cause determination, and corrective design or process development
Radiation Degradation Research — Mechanical Materials Characterization
- Design and lead the mechanical materials characterization program for irradiated thin-film, perovskite, and polymeric materials: adhesion strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus, interfacial bond integrity, and mechanical property changes in perovskite absorber layers and thin-film stack interfaces following proton, electron, or gamma irradiation
- Define and execute test plans for radiation-induced changes in polymeric encapsulants and adhesives: mechanical embrittlement assessment, glass transition temperature characterization (DSC), outgassing changes, and optical property shifts
- Ensure radiation characterization findings are translated into updated material qualification criteria, design margins, and adhesive selection guidance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff-level placement
- 10+ years of hands-on hardware R&D in aerospace, defense, or advanced electronics/photovoltaics, with demonstrated ownership of major mechanical design decisions
- Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor: served as mechanical authority for a program, set structural design standards, and mentored other engineers
- Deep expertise in adhesive bonding and materials characterization: designed bonding systems, executed bond qualification programs, and interpreted failure analysis
- Proficiency in structural analysis for aerospace hardware: load derivation, FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent), and test-to-analysis correlation
- Hands-on hardware fabrication experience: building prototype and test articles, designing test fixtures, and leading or supporting environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock)
- Strong understanding of thermomechanical fatigue and delamination mechanisms in bonded assemblies subjected to cyclic thermal loading
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with space-qualified panel or substrate design: lightweight composites, flexible PV substrates, or satellite structural hardware
- Familiarity with space PV packaging materials — encapsulants, adhesives, coverglass bonding, backsheets — and their behavior in the space environment
- Materials outgassing characterization and selection for vacuum/space applications (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016)
- Knowledge of space environmental effects on mechanical material properties: radiation-induced embrittlement, atomic oxygen erosion, UV degradation, and cryogenic behavior
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) with experience producing complete drawing packages for precision hardware
- Materials characterization instrumentation: SEM/EDS, DSC, TGA, FTIR, nano-indentation, or equivalent
- Publications or presentations in space structures, PV packaging, or materials reliability
- Experience with ITAR-controlled technical programs
COMPENSATION:
In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:
-
Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $208,100 - $254,300
-
Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $190,700 - $233,100
-
Zone 3 (All others): $173,400 - $211,900
The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility
- Standing: 20% of time
- Sitting: 70% of time
- Walking: 10% of time
Strength
- Pulling: up to 10 Pounds
- Pushing: up to 10 Pounds
- Carrying: up to 10 Pounds
- Lifting: up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
- Typing: F
- Handling: F
- Reaching: F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
- Turning: F
- Twisting: F
- Bending: O
- Crouching: O
- Balancing: N
- Climbing: N
- Crawling: N
- Kneeling: N
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.
- This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Hanwha Qcells is building its first U.S.-based Space Photovoltaic Systems R&D organization, co-located with Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer will determine how our perovskite-silicon tandem cells survive launch and live in orbit. You will own the mechanical architecture from substrate and bonding system design through structural qualification and lead the mechanical materials characterization that defines reliability margins for long-life space missions.
The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer is a principal-level individual contributor who sets the mechanical architecture. You will perform studies and work with partners to determine what substrates cells bond to, how they are bonded, how the structural assembly responds to launch loads, and how it stays intact across a mission lifetime.
Qcells' perovskite-silicon tandem cells are thinner and more mechanically sensitive than conventional space cells, integrated on platforms ranging from rigid CFRP honeycomb to flexible polyimide or woven fabric. This work demands deep materials and structural engineering expertise — and the ability to build hardware and test it, not just model it.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Substrate & Panel Architecture — Technical Ownership
- Define and own the substrate and panel mechanical architecture: evaluate, select, and qualify substrate platforms including rigid CFRP honeycomb, flexible polyimide/PEEK, and woven/fabric structures — assessing CTE compatibility, outgassing compliance (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016), radiation stability, and manufacturability
- Define the panel-level structural configuration: cell layout and density, panel frame and edge seal design, cover glass or protective layer integration, and mechanical interface to the spacecraft structure
- Establish and maintain mechanical design standards, design rules, and mass/stiffness/CTE budget frameworks for the module program
Cell Bonding Systems — Technical Ownership
- Design and own the cell bonding system: select adhesive chemistry, define bond line geometry and cure process, specify inspection criteria, and lead trade studies across bonding approaches — silicone, epoxy, thin-film, lamination, and direct integration (welding, sintering)
- Develop and own the assembly process for cell integration: surface preparation protocols, adhesive dispensing and placement methods, cure monitoring, and process qualification documentation
- Establish bonding quality acceptance criteria and evaluation methods: shear and peel strength testing, cross-section analysis (optical, SEM), thermal cycling endurance, and adhesion retention testing
Structural & Thermal-Mechanical Analysis
- Perform and own structural analysis for the full launch environment — random vibration, sinusoidal sweep, shock, and quasi-static accelerations; lead or directly execute FEA (ANSYS/Abaqus), define analysis methodology, and correlate models to test data
- Define and execute CTE mismatch and thermal-mechanical fatigue analysis for bonded cell-substrate systems: predict delamination risk, cycle life, and bond line stress evolution; develop mission-lifetime reliability predictions and test-to-analysis correlation plans
- Serve as the team's structural authority at design reviews, qualification reviews, and partner technical meetings
Hardware Build & Environmental Test
- Design and build prototype and qualification test article hardware — personally executing cell bonding, coupon fabrication, and panel-level assembly at the bench; design test fixtures and environmental test configurations for TVAC, vibration, shock, and mechanical load campaigns
- Lead or provide senior technical direction for mechanical aspects of environmental test campaigns: test level derivation, data acquisition setup, real-time monitoring criteria, and post-test inspection protocol
- Lead failure analysis on mechanical anomalies: optical and electron microscopy, cross-section preparation and analysis, root cause determination, and corrective design or process development
Radiation Degradation Research — Mechanical Materials Characterization
- Design and lead the mechanical materials characterization program for irradiated thin-film, perovskite, and polymeric materials: adhesion strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus, interfacial bond integrity, and mechanical property changes in perovskite absorber layers and thin-film stack interfaces following proton, electron, or gamma irradiation
- Define and execute test plans for radiation-induced changes in polymeric encapsulants and adhesives: mechanical embrittlement assessment, glass transition temperature characterization (DSC), outgassing changes, and optical property shifts
- Ensure radiation characterization findings are translated into updated material qualification criteria, design margins, and adhesive selection guidance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff-level placement
- 10+ years of hands-on hardware R&D in aerospace, defense, or advanced electronics/photovoltaics, with demonstrated ownership of major mechanical design decisions
- Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor: served as mechanical authority for a program, set structural design standards, and mentored other engineers
- Deep expertise in adhesive bonding and materials characterization: designed bonding systems, executed bond qualification programs, and interpreted failure analysis
- Proficiency in structural analysis for aerospace hardware: load derivation, FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent), and test-to-analysis correlation
- Hands-on hardware fabrication experience: building prototype and test articles, designing test fixtures, and leading or supporting environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock)
- Strong understanding of thermomechanical fatigue and delamination mechanisms in bonded assemblies subjected to cyclic thermal loading
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with space-qualified panel or substrate design: lightweight composites, flexible PV substrates, or satellite structural hardware
- Familiarity with space PV packaging materials — encapsulants, adhesives, coverglass bonding, backsheets — and their behavior in the space environment
- Materials outgassing characterization and selection for vacuum/space applications (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016)
- Knowledge of space environmental effects on mechanical material properties: radiation-induced embrittlement, atomic oxygen erosion, UV degradation, and cryogenic behavior
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) with experience producing complete drawing packages for precision hardware
- Materials characterization instrumentation: SEM/EDS, DSC, TGA, FTIR, nano-indentation, or equivalent
- Publications or presentations in space structures, PV packaging, or materials reliability
- Experience with ITAR-controlled technical programs
COMPENSATION:
In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:
-
Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $208,100 - $254,300
-
Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $190,700 - $233,100
-
Zone 3 (All others): $173,400 - $211,900
The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility
- Standing: 20% of time
- Sitting: 70% of time
- Walking: 10% of time
Strength
- Pulling: up to 10 Pounds
- Pushing: up to 10 Pounds
- Carrying: up to 10 Pounds
- Lifting: up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
- Typing: F
- Handling: F
- Reaching: F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
- Turning: F
- Twisting: F
- Bending: O
- Crouching: O
- Balancing: N
- Climbing: N
- Crawling: N
- Kneeling: N
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.
- This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
Mechanical Engineer Job Roles in Georgia
See all 123+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Georgia
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Search Mechanical Engineer Jobs in GeorgiaMechanical Engineer Jobs in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for mechanical engineers in Georgia?
Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Lockheed Martin in Marietta, and Novelis in Atlanta are among the larger Georgia employers with documented H-1B visa sponsorship histories for mechanical engineers. Automotive suppliers near the Kia plant in West Point and nuclear contractors supporting Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro have also sponsored mechanical engineering roles. Sponsorship practices vary by role, business need, and hiring cycle.
Which visa types are most common for mechanical engineer roles in Georgia?
The H-1B is the most common work visa for mechanical engineers in Georgia, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA. Those with extraordinary ability in engineering may pursue the O-1A, though that category requires substantial documented achievements.
Which cities in Georgia have the most mechanical engineer sponsorship jobs?
Atlanta and its northern suburbs, including Marietta and Smyrna, concentrate the largest share of mechanical engineering sponsorship activity due to aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sector employers headquartered there. Savannah is a secondary hub driven by Gulfstream Aerospace and the Port of Savannah's logistics and industrial base. Columbus and Augusta also see mechanical engineering demand, particularly from defense contractors and utilities operating in those regions.
How to find mechanical engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Georgia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles where employers have indicated visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to search mechanical engineer openings in Georgia without sorting through positions that won't consider international candidates. You can filter by location and role to surface relevant opportunities in Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia cities. Migrate Mate aggregates listings from employers across aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors where Georgia mechanical engineering demand is strongest.
What should mechanical engineers know about visa sponsorship conditions in Georgia?
Georgia does not impose state-level restrictions on visa sponsorship, but mechanical engineers should be aware that H-1B employers must file a Labor Condition Application certifying the offered wage meets the prevailing wage for the role and location. Georgia's aerospace and manufacturing sectors tend to hire at senior or specialized levels for sponsored roles, so candidates with specific domain experience in areas like propulsion, structural analysis, or thermal systems are generally more competitive than generalists.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mechanical engineer jobs in Georgia?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.