Junior Mechanical Engineer

CoAspire; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision

401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting

PTO and Federal holidays

Job summary

A leading defense manufacturing firm in Manassas, VA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to work on assembly process optimization and cost reduction for advanced weapon systems. This role involves collaboration with engineering teams to transition products to high-volume production, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a Mechanical Engineering degree and experience in aerospace production. Comprehensive benefits, including medical and 401(k), are offered from day one, reflecting our commitment to employee well-being.

Qualifications

• 0-8 years of hands-on manufacturing/process engineering experience in aerospace/defense production.
• Proven track record of cost reduction and assembly time improvement programs.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and quality compliance.

Responsibilities

• Drive assembly process optimization, cost reduction, and design-for-manufacturability improvements.
• Participate in DFM/DFA reviews and value engineering initiatives.
• Collaborate with supply chain and suppliers on cost-effective sourcing.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing/process engineering experience

Expert in GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Excellent communication and floor presence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PLM/ERP environments (e.g., WindChill)

Knowledge of aerospace materials, fasteners, connectors

Job description

Direct message the job poster from CoAspire

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting‑edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we’re at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight‑knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work‑life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission‑critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

Position: You will work directly on the production floor and drive assembly process optimization, cost reduction, and design‑for‑manufacturability improvements for weapon systems. You will identify and implement changes to mechanical parts, connectors, fasteners, harnesses, brackets, and subsystems to dramatically reduce build time, lower material costs, eliminate production bottlenecks, and support affordable high‑rate manufacturing — all while maintaining full compliance with government performance, quality, and safety standards. This hands‑on role works side‑by‑side with a senior mechanical engineering lead, technicians, quality, procurement, and design engineering to transition products from prototype/design models to sustained high‑volume production.

Responsibilities:

• Participate and contribute to Design‑for‑Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) reviews and value engineering initiatives to simplify mechanical designs, standardize components, and reduce part count/SKU proliferation.
• Identify and qualify lower‑cost alternative parts, connectors, cables, fasteners, and materials (COTS/MIL SPEC) that meet form/fit/function, environmental, and ITAR requirements while achieving reduced cost savings.
• Optimize assembly sequences, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions to cut assembly time, reduce labor hours, and improve first‑pass yield on the production line.
• Perform root‑cause analysis on production issues (fit issues, non‑conformances, rework) and implement corrective actions, including ECNs and drawing updates.
• Collaborate with supply chain and suppliers on make‑vs‑buy decisions, vendor qualifications, and long‑term agreements to secure cost‑effective, reliable sources.
• Support and contribute to manufacturing bills of materials (MBOMs), routings, and process flow diagrams in the ERP system.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analyses on an as‑needed.
• Ensure all changes comply with AS9100D, ITAR, DFARS flow‑downs, and any other company requirements.

Qualifications:

• 0‑8 years of hands‑on manufacturing/process engineering experience in aerospace/defense production.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Proven track record of cost reduction and assembly time improvement programs (e.g., part standardization, connector/harness optimization, DFM‑driven redesigns).
• Expert in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), reading complex mechanical drawings, and releasing ECNs in PLM/ERP environments (e.g., WindChill).
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, fasteners, connectors (MIL‑DTL‑38999, etc.), cable harnesses, and manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, composites, additive).
• U.S. citizenship and current Secret clearance (or ability to obtain/maintain one).
• Excellent communication and floor presence; comfortable presenting data‑driven recommendations to leadership and suppliers.

Desired Skills:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.

What We Offer:

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Defense and Space Manufacturing