Mechanical Engineer

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design engineering
• Demonstrated ownership of a mechanical system from concept through integration
• Strong experience with 3D CAD tools (NX, CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Proven ability to work in fast-paced, prototype-driven environments
• Strong communication skills and willingness to ask questions and collaborate

Pluses:

• Experience with aerospace, robotics, EV, UAV/drone, or other advanced R&D environments
• Familiarity with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, FEMAP, etc.)
• Prior experience with flight or high-performance mechanical systems
• Experience generating manufacturing drawings

Day-to-day:

Insight Global is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer II to join the Accurate Landing Team, focused on the development of next-generation reentry and recovery systems.

This individual will play a critical role in designing and building mechanical systems for a rapidly evolving test vehicle program. The role is highly hands-on and spans the full product lifecycle—from concept development through build, integration, testing, and iteration.

This is a high-ownership, small-team environment where engineers are expected to take systems from cradle to grave and adapt quickly as priorities shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and mechanisms supporting accurate landing and recovery of reentry vehicles
• Own mechanism development for:
• Parachute deployment systems
• Control actuation systems
• Drop test structures
• Drive designs from concept through detailed CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, and integration
• Perform hand calculations and engineering analysis to inform design decisions
• Lead design trades across performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule
• Support hands-on build activities including:
• Assembly
• Fit checks
• Integration troubleshooting
• Participate in aerial drop test campaigns and support system validation
• Qualify systems through environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, load)
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, technicians, supply chain, and external vendors
• Generate and review engineering drawings and ensure adherence to GD&T standards

Day-to-Day Breakdown

• Early phase:
• Translate requirements into initial concepts and design approaches
• Rapid iteration in CAD (typically 4–6 week design cycles)
• Mid phase:
• Detailed design and engineering refinement
• Prototyping using tools such as 3D printing and hands-on fabrication
• Late phase:
• Manufacturing coordination and vendor engagement
• Assembly, integration, and testing