Copy of Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)

About Decision Technologies, Inc.

Decision Technologies was founded to help bridge the gap between Department of Defense and Federal Government acquisition programs and technology to help our customers optimize their decision-making process. Our areas of expertise include Systems Engineering, Program Management, In-Service Engineering, Equipment Repair, Research and Development, Test and Evaluation, and Intelligence and Counterintelligence Support. We are a premier engineering and intelligence services provider contributing to our nation's defense. Our company culture cultivates talented problem-solvers focused on performance with industry-leading teamwork and responsiveness.

About the Role

Jumpstart your engineering career at the leading edge of naval defense technology. As a Junior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace) supporting the Navy’s Terminal Defense Systems program office, you will directly shape the physical hardware protecting U.S. Navy warships and allied fleets around the world. This position requires 100% on-site work in Arlington, VA, or Louisville, KY.

Position Description

Analyzing supersonic missile aerodynamics and launcher robotic motion dynamics to solve extreme thermal problems and guide complex shipboard installations, you will apply core mechanical principles to high-impact, real-world systems. You will work alongside experienced senior engineers, use digital modeling tools, and see solutions move from simulation to live fleet deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D CAD Modeling & Digital Prototyping: Build, modify, and manage detailed 3D CAD assemblies and digital mockups (SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.) of missile airframes, launching mechanisms, and shipboard interfaces. Evaluate dimensional tolerances, mass properties, center-of-gravity shifts during launch, and kinematic clearances using model-based tools.
• Launcher Kinematics & Robotic Motion Dynamics: Support motion planning, servo-drive integration, and multi-axis kinematic analysis for high-speed automated guided missile launching systems. Analyze mechanical loads, gear-train torque, vibration damping, and dynamic slew rates.
• Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics Assessment: Assist in evaluating missile external aerodynamics, control surface actuation, and supersonic flow behavior. Review aerodynamic wind-tunnel data, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) runs, and flight-test trajectory models.
• Thermal Analysis & Extreme Environment Design: Perform thermal transfer and structural finite element analysis (FEA) using tools like ANSYS or NASTRAN/PATRAN. Evaluate rocket motor exhaust plumes, aerodynamic friction heating, electronics heat dissipation, and the environmental impact of harsh marine operating conditions.
• Shipboard Mechanical Integration & Topside Installation: Support the mechanical and structural installation of launcher platforms and defensive weapon systems aboard U.S. Navy surface combatants. Review Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs), deck structural loading calculations, shock/vibration isolation mounts, and topside line-of-sight physical interference zones.
• Live Test & Evaluation (T&E) and Flight Trial Support: Participate in test planning and range execution for live-fire missile events and robotic launcher qualification tests. Review mechanical telemetry data including accelerometer readouts, vibration spectrums, and thermal sensor feedback.
• Technical Design Packages & Change Reviews: Review OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), structural Technical Data Packages (TDPs), and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Provide technical feedback on proposed mechanical hardware modifications, material substitutions, and manufacturing improvements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• DoD Secret Clearance: Eligibility for a DoD Secret Clearance is mandatory.
• CAD & Analysis Toolkit: Foundational academic experience with modern 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, Inventor) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD, MATLAB/Simulink, or ANSYS).
• Core Engineering Fundamentals: Solid grasp of statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical vibrations.
• Curiosity & Drive: Eagerness to dive into complex electro-mechanical, robotic, and aerodynamic defense systems, learn military design specifications, and work across interdisciplinary engineering teams.
• Location: 100% on-site in Arlington, VA, or Louisville, KY.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 USD per year (HQ and Louisville, KY).

Compensation is determined by various factors including location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Dependent Care & Commuter)
• Company paid Short-Term, Long-Term, Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Certifications