Hands-on Mechanical Engineer - Defense Hardware Prototyping

100Hires, Inc.; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to lead design, prototyping, testing, and production readiness of complex hardware for defense and dual-use customers.

You will work across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality domains, translating requirements into practical designs and driving hardware from idea to fielded production with an emphasis on manufacturability and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in mechanical design and hardware development.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and production readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex hardware products, including: mechanical assemblies, enclosures & ruggedized systems, brackets, mounts, panels, and structural components, as well as thermal management features, mechanisms, fixtures and tooling, and test equipment.
• Create production-quality CAD models, drawings, assemblies, and documentation in SolidWorks.
• Translate customer requirements and field conditions into practical mechanical designs.
• Collaborate across disciplines to understand how mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing decisions affect the final product.
• Rapidly prototype proof-of-concept designs using hands-on iteration and fabrication tools.
• Build, assemble, inspect, and troubleshoot prototypes and production-intent hardware.
• Plan and execute testing to validate fit, function, structural durability, thermal behavior, manufacturability, assembly, safety, and reliability.
• Analyze test results, identify failure modes, and drive design improvements with evidence.
• Maintain engineering documentation: CAD models, drawings, BOMs, revision history, assembly instructions, test results, design rationale, and trade studies.

Skills

CAD modeling

Mechanical design

Tolerance analysis

GD&T awareness

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

3D modeling

Job description

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to lead design, prototyping, testing, and production readiness of complex hardware for defense and dual-use customers.

You will work across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality domains, translating requirements into practical designs and driving hardware from idea to fielded production with an emphasis on manufacturability and reliability.