Mechanical Design Engineer/Drafter
About the job
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience, or a Master's degree and 1 year of experience, for the Mechanical Engineer role.
- Experience with parametric computer-aided design software for component design and initial sizing.
- Demonstrated experience in hardware design, analysis, and testing.
- Ability to work independently under general direction only.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology, or a related field for the Mechanical Designer role.
- Proficiency in Creo/Windchill for the Mechanical Designer role.
- Associate's degree or technical certificate in Mechanical Drafting, CAD/CADD Technology, Engineering Graphics, or a related field for the Mechanical Drafter role.
- Proficiency in Creo/Windchill for the Mechanical Drafter role.
- Generate computer-aided design models and engineering drawings of components for spaceflight hardware.
- Perform analytical sizing activities on designed hardware.
- Develop reports, presentations, and other documentation.
- Generate assembly, integration, and test procedures.
- Apply acceptance standards for spaceflight hardware applications.
- Attend meetings and teleconferences and discuss issues identified in design, analysis, qualification, and acceptance plans and reports.
- Guide developed hardware through the manufacturing process.
- Design and develop mechanical systems, assemblies, and packaging layouts for spacecraft, nuclear power, propulsion, and support hardware.
- Use computer-aided design tools to create three-dimensional models, conduct design trade studies, prepare engineering drawings, and ensure designs meet requirements for mass, volume, thermal performance, manufacturability, structural integrity, and spaceflight environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and fabrication teams to mature concepts from preliminary design through integration and test.
- Produce and maintain detailed engineering drawings, computer-aided design models, schematics, bills of material, and configuration-controlled documentation.
- Convert engineering concepts and design changes into accurate fabrication and assembly drawings while ensuring compliance with NASA drafting standards, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and configuration management requirements.
- Work with designers and engineers to support manufacturing, inspection, integration, and testing activities.
- Demonstrated experience with Creo Parametric.
- Expertise in component and mechanism design, analysis, and testing in the aerospace industry.
About the company
Analytical Mechanics Associates provides engineering, mathematics, and information technology services to government and commercial clients. It solves complex problems by combining engineering, science, and math with visualization to build models, simulations, and decision-support tools. It differentiates itself with a long track record since 1962 and a nationwide network of offices that mix a small-business feel with broad aerospace, defense, and energy expertise. Its goal is to deliver reliable, practical solutions and spark future discoveries through rigorous analysis and effective visualization.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Hampton, Virginia
Founded
1962
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Ames awarded AMA $4.6 million CFD support in April 2026.
- NASA expanded AMA's TESM-like work with $10.1 million TPS, IT, and R&D support.
- The July 2026 WERK award shows AMA is entering climate-risk workstreams.
What critics are saying
- NASA concentration leaves AMA exposed if Ames or Langley recompetes in 2027.
- STC already challenged AMA awards; another protest could freeze revenue and hiring.
- If NASA consolidates engineering support vendors, AMA's core franchise loses scale by 2028.
What makes Analytical Mechanics Associates unique
- AMA won NASA TEAMS 2 and TEAMS 3, proving deep Langley integration.
- Joseph Poist joined as CEO in February 2026, bringing NASA and SAIC leadership.
- AMA holds multiple 2026 Ames orders across CFD, TPS, aeronautics, and wildfire resilience.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Company News
AMA taps Joseph Poist as CEO. The board of directors of Analytical Mechanics Associates has named Joseph Poist CEO after a comprehensive search, citing confidence in his leadership judgment, operational discipline and ability to execute strategy across complex, mission-critical environments. "I am humbled by the board's confidence and excited to lead this organization," Poist said. "The opportunity ahead is significant. My focus will be on clarity of direction, disciplined execution and building an enterprise that delivers and grows consistently." Before joining AMA, Poist served as a vice president at SAIC, leading a large business group supporting complex government missions. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, helping oversee a portfolio of over $5 billion in annual programs and a workforce of over 10,000 civil servants and contractors across multiple locations nationwide. During his 14-year career as a civil servant, he also held senior financial leadership roles, including associate deputy chief financial officer for resources, with responsibility for guiding government programs from inception through delivery. Poist succeeds John Abrams as CEO. The board thanked Abrams for his leadership and contributions to the company and wished him continued success.