Senior Mechanical Designer

About the role

North Wind is seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer in Newport News, Virginia, to support the development of advanced hypersonic technologies. In this onsite role, you will translate aerodynamic and mechanical interface requirements into detailed 3D CAD models, production drawings, and supporting engineering documentation. You will collaborate with engineers and fabrication teams to deliver robust, manufacturable components and assemblies for high-speed propulsion and vehicle systems. The position also supports tolerance analysis, component selection, design reviews, and planning of drawing schedules and budgets. Ideal candidates bring substantial mechanical design experience, strong technical communication skills, and familiarity with aerospace propulsion applications. U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required. Employment is subject to pre-employment background checks and drug testing. North Wind is an equal opportunity employer.

What you'll do

• Develop 3D CAD models of mechanical components and assemblies from engineering requirements.
• Create and check detail and assembly drawings to ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Select standard hardware and support project bills of material.
• Perform tolerance stack analyses to verify component fits and clearances.
• Prepare assembly procedures, interface documents, instrumentation layouts, and design review materials.
• Plan drawing budgets and schedules, review other designers' work, and communicate progress to engineering leads.

What you'll bring

• Associate degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least five years of relevant experience in high-speed airbreathing propulsion or a similar industry preferred.
• Proficiency in 3D mechanical CAD, technical drawing interpretation, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and manufacturable design.
• Experience with ramjet or scramjet systems, propulsion integration, engineering analysis tools, or related testing preferred.
• Strong analytical accuracy, written and verbal communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• U.S. citizenship, U.S. work eligibility, and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required; active clearance preferred.

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to advanced hypersonic technology programs.
• Collaboration with engineering, research, and fabrication specialists.
• Exposure to propulsion development and ground or flight testing programs.
• Opportunities to provide technical guidance and support design team development.