Mechanical Design Engineer (CREO/Windchill)

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder Estimated Duration: Ongoing Onsite in Houston, TX W2 Position with full benefits The US base salary range for this full-time position is $130-180K + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. JOB DESCRIPTION Our mission is to advance science, exploration, and commercial progress in space. With multiple NASA and commercial missions in development, we pride ourselves on supporting our customers and the nation in expanding what's possible beyond Earth.

Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety. Design structural components, brackets, enclosures, and assemblies for spaceflight hardware using machined, sheet metal, and composite construction. Create 3D models and detailed part and assembly drawings in PTC Creo, managing data, revisions, and releases through Windchill.

Apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure form, fit, and function across assemblies. Incorporate structural and thermal analysis results into design iterations, working closely with analysts to close design margins. Support fabrication, assembly, and integration activities on the floor, resolving build issues and dispositioning nonconformances.

Lead or support design reviews, communicating design rationale, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders. Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and configuration-controlled engineering documentation. Ensure designs comply with applicable spaceflight standards, constraints, and requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including structures, thermal, avionics, propulsion, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure successful hardware integration.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in mechanical design or related fields. Proficiency in PTC Creo and Windchill. Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and engineering drawing standards. Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA).

Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. DESIRED SKILLS Experience designing spaceflight, satellite, or launch vehicle hardware. Experience with composite structure design and fabrication. Experience designing electronics enclosures or avionics housings.

Familiarity with NASA design and fastener standards for spaceflight hardware. Exposure to structural or thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent. Experience supporting hardware integration, verification, and environmental testing. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.