Mechanical engineer - aerospace

Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace Thermal Management Systems (Integration & Packaging)Location: Onsite – Irvine CAIndustry: Aerospace & DefenseDuration: 6 months and extendableRole OverviewWe are seeking two highly skilled Mechanical Engineers with experience in the Aerospace & Defense sector to support the development and integration of advanced thermal management subsystems used across military and commercial platforms globally.This role focuses on mechanical subsystem development from a packaging and integration perspective, including enclosure design and integration of electronic and fluid control components such as pumps, compressors, fans, and valves. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience developing aerospace-grade subsystems within defined volume and interface constraints, ensuring high reliability, environmental robustness, and compliance with industry standards.These roles will support programs progressing from Preliminary Design Review (PDR) toward Critical Design Review (CDR) and will involve reuse and adaptation of existing product architectures.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop mechanical enclosures for aerospace electronic and control subsystems such as thermal management systems and related subsystemsPackage and integrate COTS and custom components into customer-defined volume constraints by integrating components including pumps, compressors, fans, valves, and control electronicsDevelop detailed CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings (SolidWorks preferred)Conduct tolerance analysis, GD&T, stack-up analysis, and design for manufacturability (DFM)Support prototype builds, integration activities, testing, and validationImplement design considerations to satisfy and qualify the environmental requirements (shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, EMI/EMC interface considerations) per MIL standards.Collaborate with electrical, controls, thermal, structural, and systems engineering teamsParticipate in root cause analysis and design refinementEnsure compliance with aerospace and defense standards and documentation practicesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.5+ years of experience in Aerospace & Defense mechanical subsystem developmentU.S. Citizen (No Dual Citizenship)Strong mechanical packaging and integration experienceExperience designing enclosures housing electronics and fluid/mechanical componentsExposure to thermal management systems (ECS, vapor cycle, or liquid cooling preferred but not mandatory)Working knowledge of rotating machinery components (fans, compressors, pumps)Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred; strong experience in other platforms acceptable)Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysisFamiliarity with aerospace environmental standards (MIL-STD preferred)Experience supporting qualification and validation testingStrong understanding of materials selection for aerospace applicationsAbility to work in cross-functional engineering teamsPreferred QualificationsExperience packaging turbomachinery components within constrained aerospace envelopesExposure to controls systems integrationKnowledge of vibration isolation and shock mitigation techniquesExperience supporting PDR/CDR processesFamiliarity with configuration management and aerospace documentation rigorExposure to FMEA, reliability analysis, and lifecycle support