Vehicle Design Engineer 1
Confidential
Posted: April 13, 2026
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Quick Summary
Design engineers contribute to the development of components and systems for hypersonic flight vehicles, taking ownership of specific parts and subsystems with a strong passion for aerospace.
Required Skills
Job Description
Job Summary:
Specter Aerospace is seeking a Vehicle Design Engineer 1 to join our growing design team. In this role, you will contribute to the development of components and systems for hypersonic flight vehicles, taking ownership of specific parts and subsystems. The ideal candidate is a motivated engineer with a strong passion for aerospace and hands-on design work.
About Specter Aerospace:
Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.
Role & Responsibilities:
Work in a rapid paced environment, designing systems and parts for hypersonic flight vehicles
Perform preliminary analysis at the component and system level
Perform architecture/concept trade studies for mechanical systems
Create drawings for manufacturing release
Ownership of vehicle subsystems
Analysis of components within a flight vehicle
Work between disciplines to efficiently design and optimize novel flight systems to meet internal and customer performance requirements
Integrate subsystems into bigger systems ensuring fit and functionality
Job Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or related fields
Proficiency using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments
Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work
Fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles (statics, materials, thermo/fluids, etc…)
Available for up to 10% travel for test activities
Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
Desired Skills:
Prior professional or student group work experiences
Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization
Familiarity with GD&T
Prior aerospace experience
Prior FEA/CFD experience
Familiarity with DFM/DFAM