Mechanical Engineer (Levels III - V)

Description

Job Summary: The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for contributing to all aspects of multiple projects: concept, design, development, implementation, and revisions, in a diverse set of technological fields, including autonomous command and control, object detection, scientific data analysis, real-time mission operations support, optomechanical technologies and more.

Job Duties:

• Mechanical Design & Analysis: Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems involving drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, and power systems. Apply advanced CAD modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques to ensure performance, reliability, and integration within multi-disciplinary platforms.
• Project Leadership: Serve as a technical lead on high-impact engineering projects. Define project scopes, delegate tasks to team members, and ensure engineering deliverables meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Lead root cause analysis and resolution of critical design and manufacturing issues. Apply deep engineering expertise to solve technically challenging problems across mechanical, thermal, structural, and optical domains. Evaluate new tools, methods, and materials to improve system performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: Act as a key liaison between mechanical engineering and other disciplines, including systems, optics, electrical, and software engineering. Participate in executive-level reviews, contribute to proposals, and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including customers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prototyping & Testing: Oversee full lifecycle prototype development—from concept through field deployment. Define and execute comprehensive validation plans, including structural, thermal, and dynamic testing. Ensure test methods and results are aligned with program requirements and regulatory standards. Support hands-on test execution when needed
• Documentation & Reporting: Review and approve detailed engineering documentation, drawings, BOMs, test reports, and change notices. Ensure alignment with internal standards, industry regulations (e.g., ASME, MIL-STD), and ITAR/export compliance requirements. Lead efforts to improve document quality and traceability across engineering systems.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote continuous improvement in design practices, engineering tools, and product development workflows. Identify and implement innovative design methodologies that enhance quality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. Evaluate design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA) across complex product lines.
• Support transitions from Prototypes to Production: Drive design transition from engineering to full-scale production. Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and quality engineering to validate processes, reduce lead times, and address fabrication or tolerance issues. Participate in supplier qualification and technical negotiations as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a field related to the above technologies (e.g., physics, mechanical engineering, etc.) A master’s degree is a preferred.

Experience: 6+ years of working experience in relevant technologies.  

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science).
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), optomechanical design, thermal management, lightweight structures and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience with flying or can fly drones.
• Has computer/electronics assembly experience.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations (ISO, ASME, etc.).
• Basic machine shop experience such as soldering, lathe, mill, etc.

Project Management:

• Experience in leading projects from concept to completion, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and meet deadlines.

Soft Skills:

• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn. 
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills. 
• Love tinkering with gadgets (“new toys”), particularly in optical systems (cameras and sensors), autonomous systems, and other defense-related subjects. 
• Ability to meet deadlines on individual tasks.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities using practical organizational and time-management skills.

Compensation: 

$120k - $229k annually; depending on your experience and interview process we will determine the level and suitable salary range closer to offer stage

Additional Requirement:

You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Department of Defense Secret clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position.

Typical Working Environment:

Work is performed indoors in an office setting, sitting at a desk and moving throughout the office space while performing work while in close proximity to others. Moderate noise levels consistent with an office environment; staff, phones, and collaborative dialogue.

Equipment/Tools used:

Computer, Keyboard, Phone, Printer/Copier, and other miscellaneous office equipment.

Interaction/Supervision:

Interact with all levels of staff and vendors.

Physical Demands:

Constantly (67%+): Sitting at a desk, working on a computer, using a keyboard and mouse.

Frequently (34-66%): Repetitive hand motion, fine dexterity of hands.

Hours of Work:

This position will work the hours necessary to meet the needs of the business and to complete necessary job duties. May include work during days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employee is authorized and permitted to take all meal and rest breaks in accordance with company policy, see Employee Handbook.