Senior Mechanical Engineer – Hypersonic Flight Development
Company Overview
VALT Enterprizes, Inc. is revolutionizing aerospace with cutting-edge hypersonic research and development to pioneer America’s first-of-its-kind hypersonic launch system, combining rocket and air-breathing propulsion to empower our nation’s warfighters with the tools they need to safeguard our country. We envision a world where access to space is no longer a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all. Our team is driven by data, fueled by passion, and united by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience. Challenges are embraced head-on in a culture that values creativity, autonomy, determination, and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and making history – together.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about aerospace innovation and ready to be at the forefront of hypersonic flight development. This simulation-heavy role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in high-stakes environments, solves complex challenges, and excels in rapid, iterative design and testing.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems for hypersonic flight vehicles
- Apply data-driven engineering methods to improve designs and overall system performance
- Perform structural and thermal analyses, including finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to validate performance under extreme flight conditions
- Use simulation tools such as Ansys Mechanical or ABAQUS to optimize structural components for performance, weight, and manufacturability
- Interpret CFD outputs to inform design decisions and drive performance improvements
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to designs, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Support prototyping, testing, and validation to confirm design performance and identify areas for refinement
- Communicate technical results, design updates, and solutions clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders
- Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design reports, simulation results, and test plans
- Provide mentorship to junior engineers and lead technical efforts on complex design challenges
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
- 5–10+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace engineering
- Proven experience in simulation-heavy environments, including structural and thermal analysis using FEA and CFD
- Strong proficiency in interpreting CFD outputs to guide design and performance improvements
- Expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and materials engineering
- Proficiency with simulation tools such as Ansys Mechanical, ABAQUS, or similar
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments with rapid design cycles
- Strong technical communication skills, including presenting findings to internal and external stakeholders
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, as required by government contracts
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks for aerospace structural design
- Advanced proficiency in Ansys Mechanical or ABAQUS for structural and thermal simulation
- Experience with additional CAD platforms such as AutoCAD or Fusion 360
- Experience using Ansys across both design and simulation workflows
- Hands-on experience with high-speed or high-temperature aerospace systems (hypersonic or supersonic strongly preferred)
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 90% Employer-paid comprehensive health benefits
- 4% 401(K) Match
- Unlimited PTO
- Flexible working schedule
- Employee stock options
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- Exciting and challenging work environment
- Relocation assistance available
Join us in shaping the future of hypersonic flight development and be a part of a team that is revolutionizing what it means to have greater access to space. If you are ready to take on an invigorating challenge of rapid prototyping and development of high-speed systems, then we encourage you to apply today and become a member of our dynamic team!
VALT Enterprizes, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
