Lead Mechanical Engineer

VLink Inc; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks PTO and holiday pay

Medical/dental/vision coverage

STD/LTD/Life/AD&D

Job summary

VLink is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to design, analyze, and qualify precision mechanisms for mission systems in high-consequence environments. You will own major components from concept through integration and testing at on-site labs in Carlsbad, CA; Palm Bay, FL; or Chantilly, VA.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree, 9+ years of experience, and an active TS clearance. You will produce 3D models and drawings, lead tests, coordinate with manufacturing, and mentor teams while

Qualifications

• Experience in 3D CAD, drawings, and GD&T.
• Hands-on design, development, integration, and testing of complex hardware.
• Ability to work on-site in lab and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design, analysis, prototype integration, and qualification testing for precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical hardware.
• Develop 3D models, drawings, technical data packages, and assembly documentation.
• Evaluate material selections and design trades to improve performance, size, weight, power, manufacturability and reliability.
• Plan and execute component and system-level tests; analyze results and drive design improvements.
• Present designs and results at internal and customer reviews, including PDRs and CDRs.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, CM, suppliers, technicians, and the program test team to transition designs into production.
• Support field-test or demonstration activities as needed.
• Act as subject matter expert and drive process improvements with minimal direction.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

Engineering drawings

GD&T

Prototype integration

Testing and qualification

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

Creo

Job description

Location: Carlsbad, CA / Palm Bay, FL / Chantilly, VA

About:

VLink, founded in 2006, is a leading global provider of software engineering services with next-gen technologies and best-in-class talent. Our Headquarters are in the U.S, and we have offices in 7+ countries from North America-Europe to APAC, with expansion plans in the Middle East. With over 1,000 employees working globally, VLink has helped SMBs, and large enterprises achieve their business goals, and gained the trust of Fortune-250 companies. VLink is 'Great Place to Work® Certified™' and has been a consistent winner as- Best Places to Work in CT. Trust, collaboration, and accountability are the three elements that are at the core of VLink's work culture. We value our professionals, providing comprehensive benefits and the opportunity for growth.

Job Description:

• Design and qualify the precision mechanisms behind mission systems used in complex, high-consequence environments.
• You’ll own major components and sub-systems from early concepts through integration and test, helping the company's deliver dependable capability for customers executing their most challenging missions.
• This is an on-site role because the work includes direct lab, prototype, integration, and hardware-test activity at one of the following sites: Palm Bay, Florida; Chantilly, Virginia; or Carlsbad, California.

Essential Functions:

• Lead mechanical design, analysis, prototype integration, and qualification testing for precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical hardware.
• Develop 3D models, drawings, technical data packages, and assembly documentation.
• Evaluate material selections and design trades; improve designs for performance, size, weight, power, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Plan and execute component and system-level tests; analyze results and drive design improvements.
• Present designs and results at internal and customer reviews, including peer reviews, PDRs, and CDRs.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, configuration management, suppliers, technicians, and the program test team to transition designs into production.
• Support field-test or demonstration activities as needed.
• Subject matter expert with comprehensive knowledge of job area and in-depth knowledge of project management. Manages large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction. Communicates within and outside of the organization to explain and influence changes to practices, processes and approaches. Makes significant improvements in processes, systems, or products. Provides input into new products/processes and implements operational plans that have measurable impact on business or functional results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance is required. (Active within the last two years will be considered)

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Hands‑on experience designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex mechanical hardware.
• Experience with 3D mechanical CAD, engineering drawings, and tolerance analysis/GD&T.
• Ability to work on‑site in a mis of office and laboratory environments
• Experience in design or development of precision mechanisms, mechatronic systems, and/or packaging of modules and electronics with considerations of thermal and structural loading and for optimizations of size, weight, and power.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo and understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards.
• Experience in additive manufacturing, part optimization, and design for manufacture and assembly a plus.
• Experience with any of the following: actuators, custom gear trains, electro‑optical systems, materials testing, and manufacturing processes

Screening Questions:

• Do you have an active Top Secret clearance (or higher) and currently using it?

Job Schedule:

9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

BENEFITS:

• We offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes 3 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks Holiday pay, medical/dental/vision coverage, STD, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D, and 401k with up to 4% match.

Employment Practices:

VLink is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This job application process may use AI-powered tools to assist in screening and evaluating applications based on objective, job‑related qualifications. AI is used solely to support the recruitment process and all final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruitment team.

Applicant information will be handled in accordance with VLink's privacy policy.