Senior Software Engineer – ACE Applications Lead (Mechanical/Propulsion/PCB)

Senior Software Engineer – Agentic Computational Engineering (Mechanical / Propulsion / PCB)

 

An innovative and rapidly growing defense and space technology organization is seeking a Senior Software Engineer – Agentic Computational Engineering Applications Lead to drive AI-powered hardware design across propulsion, mechanical systems, and PCB development.

 

This role sits within a specialist advanced technology group building an AI-native generative engineering platform designed to compress hardware development cycles from years to days. The team integrates physics simulation, CAD automation, and manufacturing constraints directly into intelligent design systems.

 

The Role

You will lead the development of AI-driven applications capable of generating and validating real, production-ready designs for complex systems such as propulsion hardware, structural components, and radiation-hardened electronics.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Owning the roadmap for AI applications that generate 3D geometry or end-to-end PCB designs from performance requirements
• Leading automated workflows between MCAD, ECAD, and simulation tools such as CFD, FEA, thermal, and signal integrity solvers
• Embedding real-world manufacturing constraints into automated design validation
• Developing topology optimization and generative design workflows that produce build-ready geometry
• Collaborating with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to validate AI-generated designs against test data
• Mentoring junior engineers and AI specialists
• Driving experimentation around simulation acceleration and new generative methods

 

Required Experience

• Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years, in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computational Engineering
• Experience across both mechanical and PCB domains
• Experience designing and analyzing hardware that operates in demanding environments
• Strong programming skills in Python or C++
• Experience automating CAD or CAE tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, Ansys, COMSOL, Star-CCM+, or ECAD tools such as Altium
• Hands-on familiarity with CFD, FEA, SPICE, or related numerical methods
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering initiatives
• Clear evidence of a builder mindset and pushing engineering tools beyond standard workflows

 

Highly Desirable

• Background in topology or shape optimization
• Experience with CAD/EDA automation or auto-routing
• Practical fabrication experience such as machining or additive manufacturing
• Propulsion, plasma physics, or fluid dynamics experience
• Experience applying AI or automation to hardware development workflows
• Personal engineering projects demonstrating hands-on capability

 

Additional Information

Due to export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorization.