Design Engineer II

Cartridge Actuated Devices; Fairfield (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cartridge Actuated Devices in Fairfield, NJ designs energetic, pyrotechnic CAD/PAD devices for aerospace and defense. As a Design Engineer, you will create 3D CAD models, manage prototypes, and lead the design through qualification to production, coordinating with manufacturing and QA.

You will apply GD&T, perform hand calculations and FEA, support testing, and ensure compliance with ITAR and safety requirements while traveling between Fairfield and Byram facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years of mechanical design and project tracking experience in aerospace/defense or high‑reliability hardware.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Experience with ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation for stress/thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design 3D CAD models, subassemblies, and detailed drawings for CAD/PAD mechanisms and energetic housings.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, and design reviews; track deliverables for customers.
• Support hands‑on prototyping, fit‑checks, and tooling modifications in a machine shop.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

GD&T

Project management

FEM/FEA

Prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MS Project

Job description

Position Title: Design Engineer – Energetics & CAD/PAD

Locations: Fairfield, NJ & Byram, NJ (On-site / Multi-facility travel)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Overview

We design, develop, and manufacture mission-critical energetic, pyrotechnic, Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD), and Propellant Actuated Devices (PAD). Our products serve high-consequence applications across aerospace, defense, and commercial sectors where ultra-high reliability under extreme pressure and temperature is mandatory.

Role Summary

The Design Engineer is responsible for mechanical design, energetic packaging, and project execution across the product development lifecycle. In addition to core design and analysis, this role manages project schedules, customer deliverables, and hands‑on prototyping from initial concept through qualification, testing, and production transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical & Energetic Design: Design 3D CAD models, subassemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings for CAD/PAD mechanisms, explosive containment housings, cutters, and release devices using SolidWorks.
• Technical Project Management: Own engineering project schedules, technical milestones, and action items; track design reviews (PDR/CDR), risk registers, and design deliverables for customers.
• Hands‑on Prototyping & Fabrication Support: Assist with quick‑turn prototype builds, fit‑checks, and tooling modifications using machine shop equipment to iterate rapidly during early‑stage development.
• Engineering Documentation & DFM: Apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5), draft Bills of Materials (BOMs), write technical reports/specifications, and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) while optimizing for manufacturability and cost.
• Analysis & Verification: Execute structural, thermal, and pressure‑vessel hand calculations and FEA simulations to verify margins under high‑g shock, extreme vibration, high temperature, and high‑pressure (HPHT) environments.
• Test Execution & Support: Author test plans and procedures (QTP/QTR); coordinate and oversee static, dynamic, environmental, and live energetic firing tests.
• Cross‑Functional Execution: Collaborate daily with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and machine shop technicians to ensure on‑time delivery and seamless handover to AS9100-controlled production.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to strict handling procedures for energetic materials in accordance with ATF, DoD, OSHA, and DOT regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 2–5 years of mechanical design and project tracking experience within aerospace, defense, energetic devices, or high-reliability electro‑mechanical hardware.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling SolidWorks and drafting using ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
  • Practical understanding of stress/thermal analysis tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) and material selection (aerospace alloys, corrosion‑resistant steels).
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines using MS Project/Excel, track action items, and coordinate cross‑functional deliverables to meet customer milestones.
• Legal & Regulatory Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) to satisfy ITAR and EAR requirements.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain an ATF Employee Possessor status.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Machine Shop: Hands‑on experience working in a machine shop environment for prototyping, R&D fixture fabrication, and hardware modifications (e.g., manual lathe, mill, drill press, band saw, and basic shop hand tools).
• Energetics & Ballistics Knowledge: Familiarity with pyrotechnics, explosives, squibs, initiators, gas generators, or high‑pressure pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
• Industry Standards: Practical exposure to military/government specifications (MIL-STD-810, MIL-DTL, NAVSEA/Air Force specs).
• Systems & Data Acquisition: Familiarity with ERP/PLM environments (SAP, SyteLine, Epicor, Arena) and instrumentation/data acquisition tools (load cells, pressure transducers, high‑speed DAQ).
• Quality & Root Cause Tools: Knowledge of aerospace quality systems (AS9100) and structured problem‑solving methodologies (FRACAS, 8D, Fishbone).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Split between office‑based design/project management, machine shop/prototyping areas, and energetic test firing bays as required.
• Routine local travel between our Fairfield, NJ and Byram, NJ facilities (valid driver's license required).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs of test hardware, fixtures, or raw materials.

Physical Demands:

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Physical activity includes walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders and lifting up to 40lbs. Must be able to drive an automobile for short and long distances. The candidate for this position may have to spend long hours using a computer, which can cause eye strain. This position will have to manage a number of requests and situations at one time. Stress may be caused by the need to complete tasks within tight deadlines.

Work Environment:

Performs office activities in a lighted and ventilated area. May be subject to changes in temperature and exposure to dust. Will be exposed to uncontrolled environmental conditions during driving. Will work in a normally acceptable office environment, with no abnormal hazards or risks. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel between two manufacturing sites, Byram NJ and Fairfield.

Screening & Compliance Notice

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Cartridge Actuated Devices is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the application of female, minority, disabled, and veteran candidates. Due to the potential for exposure to ITAR controlled data, the incumbent in this role must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident).

Due to the nature of our products, To the extent applicable to an employee's role, each employee must be able to obtain (and maintain) the ATF Possessor License as a condition of employment.

Employment with Cartridge Actuated Devices is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation, including any required Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) screening, and drug screening, as permitted by applicable law. The background investigation may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, ATF‑mandated checks, and other relevant information to determine suitability for employment. The drug screening will be conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Failure to successfully pass the background check, ATF screening, or drug screening, or the provision of false or misleading information during the application process, may result in withdrawal of a job offer or termination of employment.

By proceeding with the application process, you acknowledge and consent to the background, ATF, and drug screening requirements as described above.

Employment with Cartridge Actuated Devices is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation, including any required Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) screening, and drug screening, as permitted by applicable law. The background investigation may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, ATF‑mandated checks, and other relevant information to determine suitability for employment. The drug screening will be conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Failure to successfully pass the background check, ATF screening, or drug screening, or the provision of false or misleading information during the application process, may result in withdrawal of a job offer or termination of employment.

By proceeding with the application process, you acknowledge and consent to the background, ATF, and drug screening requirements as described above.