Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineer

About the Company

Hera Technologies is a leader in contract manufacturing focused on high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions tailored for Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Commercial Airline industries. The company emphasizes quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the design, production, and upkeep of thermal support systems, driven by a dedicated team advancing aerospace technology.

Job Overview

The Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineer will drive the creation and production of sophisticated mechanical parts and assemblies for Hera Technologies' top-tier thermal protection systems (TPS). Responsibilities span from conceptual design through prototyping and manufacturing, requiring collaboration with various teams to ensure optimal performance, manufacturability, and compliance with industry standards. The role demands expertise in mechanical design, advanced materials, and rugged aerospace hardware applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and production of mechanical components, including soft goods, composites, and engineered surface finishes integral to TPS.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to establish scalable manufacturing and assembly processes ensuring aerospace-quality and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain process documentation to support consistent production and throughput optimization across design and manufacturing stages.
• Apply conventional and advanced manufacturing methods for metallics, composites, and other aerospace-critical materials to enhance durability and scalability.
• Prototype, test, and iterate on advanced materials like carbon fiber composites, high-temp elastomers, and reinforced fabrics, analyzing failures and performance.
• Conduct root cause investigations into material failures and manufacturing defects, implementing improvements during development and production.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in mechanical design and manufacturing with focus on metals, composites, and thermal protection systems.
• Proven leadership managing engineering projects involving mechanical systems including polymer-based components and soft goods.
• Hands-on experience with aerospace or defense advanced materials and engineered surface finishes.
• Strong knowledge of elastomer and composite materials, manufacturing processes, and aerospace testing standards.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks capable of producing detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Solid engineering fundamentals in structures, materials science, thermal systems, and mechanical design.
• Experience with prototyping and fabrication techniques including machining, composite layups, bonding, and assembly.
• Expertise creating manufacturing and build plans aligned with industry or customer specifications.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD/CAM software; experience with PLM systems for workflow management.
• Thorough understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 with application to aerospace-grade drawings.
• Demonstrated design experience with CNC machining, composites, ceramics, sheet metal, and injection molding, including tooling for high-performance uses.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills working across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Familiarity with aerospace/defense qualification campaigns and ruggedized hardware design.
• Experience designing for extreme environmental durability and thermal resilience.
• Active or eligible U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher) subject to background checks.
• Master's degree or equivalent advanced experience preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Capability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing settings with exposure to noise, dust, and temperature changes.
• Able to lift up to 35 lbs and perform tasks requiring standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
• Good visual acuity for reading technical drawings and inspecting components.
• Use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection as per safety regulations.
• Occasional travel (up to 10%) to supplier or test locations, adhering to safety protocols.

Job Details and Compensation

Full-time role based in Irvine, CA, reporting to Engineering Manager. Salary range from $80,000 to $140,000 annually, determined by skills, knowledge, education, and experience. Work hours during core business times with flexibility for project needs. Benefits include company-paid medical, dental, vision insurance; retirement plan eligibility; paid sick leave, vacations, holidays; and discretionary bonuses.

Legal and Compliance

Compliance with U.S. export controls requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals under U.S.C., or otherwise authorized by the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer emphasizing merit and qualifications without discrimination on any legally protected basis.

Use of AI in Recruitment

The recruitment process may incorporate AI tools for application review and verification, supporting but not replacing human judgment. Final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters.