Staff Mechanical Engineer
ESAero is seeking a self-motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and manufacturing, while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Create or modify 3-D models, detailed drawings, assemblies and installations, system requirements, interface/supplier control drawings, performance specifications, system checkout procedures and statements of work.
Structural or thermal analysis of structures and systems.
Support the creation of system requirements, trade studies, sub-component and test plans.
Optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM), assembly (DFA), and maintainability.
Support the creation of engineering development work orders, build guides and travelers.
Collaborate with machinists, technicians, and manufacturing engineers to iterate quickly.
Support and/or lead the development, test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems.
Coordinate with internal and external integrated product teams.
Provide manufacturing, component test and ground/flight test support.
Utilize PDM for revision and configuration control
Create and participate in design reviews
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers
Contribute to long-term strategic planning within the discipline
Required Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s Degree - Engineering.
Minimum 9 years of mechanical design experience
Expert with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (or similar)
Expert at detailing drawings to include appropriate use of GD&T
Experience with HyperWorks (or similar)
Proficient at system integration and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience with Full Lifecycle Product Development
Hands-on experience working with machine shops, integrating prototype designs, and conducting validation tests.
Advanced understanding of structures, mechanisms, system layout, and materials
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Solid organizational Skills and detailed oriented
Strong Writing Skills
US Citizenship Required
Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA
Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, systems engineering, etc.
Experience with composite design and layup
Experience with DFM/A
Experience transitioning a product to production
Experience with Risk Management
Familiarity with Military standards relating to the mechanical design of aircraft.
Familiarity with Engineering Change Requests/Orders ECR/Os
Experience with a gated design process/workflow
Experience with supplier management and procurement (such as SOWs, RFPs, and/or vendor management)
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**
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.
Hiring Range: $ 130k-190k Salary Exempt (DOE)
Top Skills
What We Do
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), an aerospace engineering design and manufacturing company, specializes in cost-effective development of innovative and advanced concepts, with emphasis on simple honesty and a track record of commitment. Since 2003, ESAero has served the needs of the engineering industry through its work on military and commercial conceptual air vehicle designs, electric and hybrid propulsion system development, aircraft modifications, sub-scale technology demonstrators, rapid system prototyping, design for manufacturing, low-rate initial production, manufacturing, and niche engineering support. An “Advanced Design Group to Advanced Design Groups”, ESAero is the Prime Contractor and Integrator of the NASA X-57 “Maxwell” all-electric airplane. ESAero customers include multiple NASA Centers, AFRL, AMRDEC, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Electricore, and AeroVironment. With a 32,000 sq.ft. design & manufacturing facility located in San Luis Obispo, CA and an 8,000 sq.ft. integration and test location at the Oceano (CA) County Airport (L52), ESAero has expanded operations and airport space for system testing and product development. ESAero will continue to provide the aviation and aerospace industries with cutting-edge systems solutions and optimized manufacturing practices.
With an emphasis on quality, cost, and/or time, ESAero performs design, analytical, prototyping, and testing services for systems ranging from conceptual aerospace designs to aircraft seeking supplemental type certificates.
• Proven solutions that focus on the quality of results
• Rapid system development
• Hands-on development/testing to achieve customer goals
• “Out-of-the-Box” thinking and engineering
• Customized project plans structured for efficiency to meet larger program goals of cost or time
• On-demand niche engineering team to supplement ongoing projects
For more information, please visit our website at www.esaero.com or call (805) 275-1053.
