GRADUATE STUDENT-R&D - STUDENT ENGINEER - Spaceflight Mechanical Systems
Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:
The Electromechanical Systems Group is composed of mechanical engineers, technicians, and drafters within the Department of Space Instruments and Payloads, and is responsible for the mechanical development of spaceflight instrumentation, structures, and avionics.
Objectives of this Role:

• Design, analyze, and develop cutting edge space instrumentation, mechanisms, and spacecraft hardware to enable the next generation of spaceflight exploration and technology.
• Work in integrated project teams to support the full lifecycle of hardware development.
• Interface with customers, and compile and present data to justify design decisions.
• Support R&D and promotional efforts to develop and implement new technologies.
• Summer 2026 Internship.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Use CAD to design structures and assemblies for space, including sensors, mechanisms, and spacecraft.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses of flight hardware using finite element software and classical techniques.
• Assist with fabrication efforts for spaceflight hardware.
• Test hardware to demonstrate instrument's robustness against the environmental conditions of launch and space.
• Support part and assembly drawings to coordinate hardware builds and configurations.
• Assist teams to perform internal research to improve technology and establish competitive advantage.

Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 0 years: Design experience with Computer Aided Design software.
• Interest in Structural or thermal analysis experience.
• Knowledge of metallic/composite manufacturing processes.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas
For more information about this division, visit the Space Systems home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.
For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

---