Lead Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Tennessee; On-site; USD 69,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for directed energy platforms, including high voltage lasers and microwave systems. You will design complex assemblies, create manufacturing drawings with GD&T, and lead prototypes on a Knoxville, TN site.

The role requires 9+ years of experience, a strong SolidWorks background, and the ability to obtain an active Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 9+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks with complex assemblies.
• Expertise in GD&T and manufacturing drawings.
• Leadership or team lead experience.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Proficiency in ANSYS, FEA/CFD, and MATLAB.
• Thermal management for high-power systems.
• Defense or aerospace experience.
• Active Secret Clearance.
• Master's Degree or PE license.

Responsibilities

• Design complex mechanical systems using SolidWorks.
• Create manufacturing drawings with GD&T.
• Design structural, thermal, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and fluid flow analyses.
• Lead prototype builds, testing, and product integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.
• Manage project risks, schedules, and technical deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance (Active Secret)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree or PE license

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

ANSYS

MATLAB

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems used in directed energy platforms, including high voltage lasers and microwave systems.

Responsibilities

• Design complex mechanical systems using SolidWorks.
• Create manufacturing drawings and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Design structural, thermal, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fluid flow.
• Lead prototype builds, testing, and product integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Manage project risks, schedules, and technical deliverables.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Over 9 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks with complex assemblies.
• Expertise in GD&T and manufacturing drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical design, thermal systems, and structural analysis.
• Experience with prototyping and fabrication.
• Knowledge of Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM) experience.
• Leadership or team lead experience.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Proficiency in ANSYS, FEA/CFD analysis, and MATLAB.
• Experience in thermal management for high-power systems.
• Defense or aerospace experience.
• Active Secret Clearance.
• Master's Degree or Professional Engineer (PE) License.

Work Environment

The role is based on a manufacturing floor and involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams. The position offers billable holidays and paid time off, providing a balanced work-life environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49.04 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employ