Associate Design Engineer

Description

RAM Aerospace is a leader in aerospace innovation, powering flight and space exploration with precision solenoids, valves, and actuators. Since 1975, we’ve supported missions like the Space Shuttle and continue to deliver mission-critical components for commercial, defense, and satellite systems. As one of Southern Utah’s largest employers, we drive economic growth and offer high-skilled careers in engineering and manufacturing. From our advanced facility in St. George, we build the future of aerospace—on time, with excellence, and as a team. Join us to work on groundbreaking technology and help shape the future of flight and space exploration. Your career takes off here!

As a Design Engineer, you are the creative and technical engine behind our precision aerospace components. You will take ownership of full-cycle product design, transforming customer requirements into flight-critical solenoids, valves, and actuators. You will spend your days building complex 3D CAD models, running advanced performance simulations, and generating the strict GD&T manufacturing prints that our machine shop relies on. This is a highly collaborative role where you will work closely with manufacturing, quality, and testing teams to ensure your designs aren't just theoretically perfect, but physically manufacturable. If you love solving complex mechanical puzzles and want to see your designs launch into space, we want you on our team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Full-Cycle Product Design: Own the design of custom fluid-control components and electromechanical actuators from initial concept and prototyping through final production release.
• CAD Modeling & Drafting: Create highly accurate 3D solid models, complex assemblies, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings. You will apply advanced GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to ensure parts meet strict aerospace tolerances.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform critical engineering calculations and simulations—including structural stress (FEA), fluid dynamics (CFD), and electromagnetic/thermal analysis—to validate that designs will survive extreme flight environments.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Bridge the gap between the screen and the machine. You will collaborate constantly with CNC Machinists, Manufacturing Engineers, and Quality Inspectors to ensure your designs are optimized for efficient, cost-effective manufacturing.
• Prototyping & Testing Support: Work hands-on with the test lab to develop validation test plans. You will evaluate prototype performance, analyze test data, and iterate designs based on physical results.
• Lifecycle & Documentation: Support existing product lines by investigating non-conformances (MRB), executing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and updating technical documentation as required.

Requirements

• Legal: Must be able to pass a comprehensive criminal background check and drug screening.
• ITAR: Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum (due to ITAR requirements).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: 3 to 7 years of professional mechanical design experience, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or precision fluid-control/valve industries.
• Technical Mastery: High proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred). Expert-level understanding of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. You must be able to confidently present design reviews to the Chief Engineer and clearly explain technical requirements to the shop floor.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to sit and stand constantly for desk-based computer work. Occasional physical interaction with the shop floor and test labs for prototyping support.

Why You’ll Love Working at RAM – Our Benefits

At RAM Aerospace, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work-life balance, and long-term success.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Short-Term Disability & Voluntary Benefits - Additional protection and peace of mind when you need it most.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Confidential support for personal, financial, and emotional well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays - Generous time off to relax, travel, and spend time with loved ones.
• Paid Parental Leave - Time to bond with your new addition and transition smoothly back to work.
• 401(K) Retirement Account - Plan for your future with our 401(K) retirement account, complete with an employer match.
• Tuition Assistance - Invest in your education and future growth with our tuition assistance program.
• Flexible Work Schedule - Balance your work and personal life with a flexible work schedule.

We are committed to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

RAM Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. In addition, it is the policy of RAM Aerospace to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances where a particular employee works.

We welcome former military and law enforcement applicants!