Lead Mechanical Engineer, Defense & Aerospace Systems

Actalent; Goleta (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead design, development, testing, and production transition of advanced electromechanical systems for defense and aerospace. You will drive structural/ mechanical design from concept to manufacturing release, working with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

You will create 3D CAD models in Creo, perform structural analyses, support prototypes, and ensure manufacturability and reliability across vehicle‑mounted systems, radar

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience focused on structural or mechanical design.
• Proficiency with Creo for 3D modeling and drawings.
• Experience designing structural components and hardware for defense/aerospace.
• Knowledge of GD&T, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting prototypes through validation and production release.
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD/MIL‑SPEC standards and documentation practices.
• Ability to work across multiple programs with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of mechanical/structural components, mounts, enclosures, and support structures for defense/aerospace.
• Create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings with Creo; apply GD&T.
• Perform structural and stress analyses to support design decisions.
• Support prototype builds with documentation and hands‑on assembly.
• Lead design verification, testing, qualification, and validation activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to transition designs to production and ensure DFM/ DFA.
• Participate in design reviews and present technical concepts.
• Develop solutions for vehicle‑mounted systems, LRUs, radar, and weapon platforms.
• Contribute to IRAD projects and new product development with requirements definition.

Skills

Creo CAD

GD&T

Structural design

Prototype testing

Manufacturing design for DFM/ DFA

Team collaboration

Military specs MIL‑STD

Security clearance readiness

Engineering documentation

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

ANSYS

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead design, development, testing, and production transition of advanced electromechanical systems for defense and aerospace. You will drive structural/ mechanical design from concept to manufacturing release, working with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

You will create 3D CAD models in Creo, perform structural analyses, support prototypes, and ensure manufacturability and reliability across vehicle‑mounted systems, radar