Research Mechanical Engineer

HX5 is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations nationwide.

HX5 is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Mechanical Engineerto play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge rocket propulsion research and development with our team at the Air Force Research Laboratory located at Edwards AFB, CA.

This position will focus on providing engineering support for solid rocket motor testing, including the design, fabrication, and operation of test hardware and instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be proficient in CAD, CAM, and rapid prototyping techniques to create innovative solutions for research test articles. Additionally, the role may involve mechanical testing of solid propellant samples to characterize their mechanical properties. While the primary focus is on engineering support, a working knowledge of solid propellant formulation, characterization, and testing is highly desirable to facilitate collaboration with propellant scientists. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of state-of-the-art solid rocket motor technologies and may serve as an author and present papers at professional settings or organizations such as JANNAF.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop and fabricate test fixtures, hardware, and components for solid rocket motor testing, utilizing CAD/CAM software and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, CNC machining).
• Provide hands-on support for solid rocket motor testing, including setup, instrumentation, data acquisition, and post-test analysis.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and instrumentation issues during testing and implement correction actions.
• Conduct structural and thermal analysis of rocket motor components using FEA software.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including machining tools, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems.
• Conduct mechanical testing of solid propellant samples to determine material properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity.
• The candidate will be expected to present results in the form of reports, patents, conference presentations, and/or program reviews.
• Records research activities and compiles data according to scientific standards and communicates results effectively to team members, stakeholders, and leadership.

Education and Experience

• BS, MS, or Ph.D. inMechanical Engineering, or related field
• Strong background in mechanical design, analysis, and testing
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo), CAM (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360), and rapid prototyping (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining) for research test applications.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with mechanical testing of materials, including sample preparation, test setup, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Basic understanding of rocket propulsion principles and systems.

Preferences

• Experience in energetic materials or solid rocket propulsion research and development.
• Hands-on experience with CAD/CAM machining, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in mechanical testing and/or rocket motor testing.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS) for structural and thermal analysis.
• Experience with LabVIEW or other data acquisition software.
• Experience in mechanical testing of polymers or composite materials.

Salary: This position is expected to pay $80,000 to $130,000 annually; depending on experience, education, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the position.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and offers a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) when applicable.

HX5 offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Identity Protection
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter/Transit Spending Accounts
• Group Legal Coverage Options
• Pet Insurance

HX5, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

HX5, LLC is a Drug Free Workplace Employer.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, pleasecall (850) 362-6551.

CJ