Lead, Mechanical Engineer (On-site)

HEPCO, Inc.; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

HEPCO in Sterling, Virginia seeks a Lead, Mechanical Engineer to own major hardware components and guide advanced mechanical systems from concept to integration and production support.

The role blends design leadership with hands‑on lab work, coordinating reviews, technical decisions, and cross‑functional activities across engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with extensive experience in hardware design, development and testing.
• Experience with aerospace/defense hardware and complex products.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Creo) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience supporting design reviews and hardware maturation activities.
• Hands-on work in a lab/development setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical assemblies, mechanisms, and electromechanical subsystems.
• Translate requirements into practical mechanical designs and trade studies.
• Produce drawings, CAD models, and data packages; review and mentor team members.
• Develop prototypes and support assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare subsystem test plans and participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR).

Skills

Creo CAD

GD&T

Aero/defense hardware

Hands-on hardware development

Design reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (optional) in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Job description

HEPCO is seeking a Lead, Mechanical Engineer for a permanent-placement opportunity in Sterling, Virginia. This role requires a technically strong mechanical engineering leader who can own major hardware components and guide the development of advanced mechanical systems from early concept through integration, demonstration, and production support.

The position combines design leadership with hands-on engineering work in a laboratory-based hardware environment. The selected candidate will contribute directly to design execution while coordinating reviews, technical decisions, and cross-functional engineering activities.

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical assemblies, mechanisms, and electromechanical subsystems.
• Translate customer and system requirements into practical mechanical design solutions.
• Generate concepts, perform trade studies, and drive detailed design decisions based on performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Produce and review engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical data packages.
• Develop prototypes and support mechanical assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare and execute subsystem test plans, procedures, and evaluations.
• Participate in and lead technical reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and design-change activities.
• Mentor designers and technicians and communicate technical progress to internal leadership and customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and nine years of relevant experience; graduate degree and seven years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong experience in mechanical hardware design, development, and testing for aerospace, defense, or similarly complex products.
• Proficiency with Creo or similar 3D CAD software.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience supporting design reviews, development milestones, and hardware maturation activities.
• Ability to work in a hands‑on laboratory or development setting.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or a clearance held within the last two years, with the ability to obtain a favorable polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision mechanisms, mechatronics, electronics packaging, actuators, custom gear trains, and SWaP‑sensitive designs.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, DFM/DFA, materials testing, and environmental design considerations.
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, electro‑optical, or mission systems applications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental health coverage.
• Health and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement savings plan with company 401(k) match.
• Paid time off and company‑paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave and family‑building support.

Compensation Range: $102,000-$189,000 a year (Depending on experience and qualifications)

HEPCO is seeking a Lead, Mechanical Engineer for a permanent-placement opportunity in Sterling, Virginia. This role requires a technically strong mechanical engineering leader who can own major hardware components and guide the development of advanced mechanical systems from early concept through integration, demonstration, and production support.

The position combines design leadership with hands‑on engineering work in a laboratory-based hardware environment. The selected candidate will contribute directly to design execution while coordinating reviews, technical decisions, and cross‑functional engineering activities.

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical assemblies, mechanisms, and electromechanical subsystems.
• Translate customer and system requirements into practical mechanical design solutions.
• Generate concepts, perform trade studies, and drive detailed design decisions based on performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Produce and review engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical data packages.
• Develop prototypes and support mechanical assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare and execute subsystem test plans, procedures, and evaluations.
• Participate in and lead technical reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and design‑change activities.
• Mentor designers and technicians and communicate technical progress to internal leadership and customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and nine years of relevant experience; graduate degree and seven years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong experience in mechanical hardware design, development, and testing for aerospace, defense, or similarly complex products.
• Proficiency with Creo or similar 3D CAD software.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience supporting design reviews, development milestones, and hardware maturation activities.
• Ability to work in a hands‑on laboratory or development setting.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or a clearance held within the last two years, with the ability to obtain a favorable polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision mechanisms, mechatronics, electronics packaging, actuators, custom gear trains, and SWaP‑sensitive designs.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, DFM/DFA, materials testing, and environmental design considerations.
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, electro‑optical, or mission systems applications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental health coverage.
• Health and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement savings plan with company 401(k) match.
• Paid time off and company‑paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave and family‑building support.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.