Associate Mechanical Engineer

Associate Mechanical Engineer 

Job Summary 

The Associate Mechanical Engineer supports the design, development, and integration of mechanical systems for new aircraft products. This role applies engineering principles, analytical skills, and independent judgment to create and refine mechanical designs, support testing and validation activities, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams. The Associate Mechanical Engineer works within a structured engineering process and contributes to solutions that enhance product performance, manufacturability, and reliability. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop, modify, and refine 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies in support of mechanical design objectives. 

• Perform basic structural and thermal analysis to evaluate designs using engineering principles. 

• Contribute to the creation and refinement of engineering system requirements, trade studies, subsystem design approaches, and verification plans. 

• Generate engineering documentation such as development work orders, build guides, and process travelers, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and configuration control. 

• Collaborate with machinists, technicians, manufacturing engineers, and other engineering disciplines to support design iterations and resolve engineering challenges. 

• Support the test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems, documenting results and incorporating findings into design improvements. 

• Utilize PDM systems to manage revisions, ensure configuration control, and maintain documentation integrity. 

• Participate in and contribute to design reviews, providing engineering rationale, design justifications, and recommendations. 

• Apply engineering judgement to identify design risks, propose mitigations, and improve manufacturability, safety, and performance. 

Required Qualifications and Skills 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. 

• 0–2 years of engineering experience (including internships or co-op roles). 

• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD tools, including drawing creation and revision control. 

• Hands-on understanding of mechanical systems, assemblies, structures, mechanisms, and materials. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to document engineering work clearly. 

• Understanding of complementary disciplines such as stress analysis, dynamics, thermal analysis, production processes, systems engineering, or electronics. 

• Experience with composite materials, design, and fabrication. 

• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and their application to engineering design. 

• Experience working with a gated design process, structured workflows, or product development lifecycle frameworks. 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.  
E-Verify participation required for employment.  
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.     
Must be able to pass background check.    
Pay Range: $80-95k