Lead Mechanical Engineer – Precision Mechanisms & Advanced Hardware Development

Talent Search PRO; United States; On-site; USD 102,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

EAP

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

Talent Search PRO is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to head the design, development, and qualification of complex mechanical systems, including precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical assemblies. The role emphasizes ownership across the full lifecycle—from requirements and concept generation to detailed design, documentation, and integration testing.

You will lead in 3D modeling, hands-on lab work, and cross-functional collaboration, providing technical leadership while independently

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 9+ years of relevant experience, or 7+ years with graduate degree; alternate 13+ years of experience without a degree.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (or held within last 2 years) and favorable polygraph.
• Hands-on hardware experience, ability to lead design and development lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of tasks with limited supervision across high-consequence programs.
• Provide regular briefings to internal and external stakeholders including customer reps.
• Create and maintain Technical Data Packages ( drawings, assemblies ).
• Prototype, integrate, and test mechanical components and assemblies.
• Develop test plans for mechanical subsystems and conduct evaluations.
• Lead design reviews (PDRs/CDRs) and implement design changes.
• Guide interdisciplinary design teams and ensure adherence to processes.

Skills

Leadership

3D modeling

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree

Alternative experience

Tools

Creo CAD

ASME Y14.5

Job description

Job title: Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Job Details

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

Job Description

We're seeking a driven Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of complex mechanical systems including precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical assemblies, within a dynamic program team.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of major system components while adapting flexibly as program needs evolve. You'll provide technical leadership across the full development lifecycle: from requirements definition and concept generation through material selection, trade studies, design optimization, detailed design, documentation, and integration testing.

You should bring strong experience in 3D modeling and critical hardware development, with the ability to work independently within cross-functional teams. This role requires a hands-on approach; you'll be actively engaged in lab work and direct hardware interaction.

Essential Functions

• Ability and desire to take full ownership of tasking while working with limited supervision in a variety of high consequence program activities
• Provide regular communication and briefings, both formally and informally, to internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives
• Generation of Technical Data Package components (Part and Assembly drawings, etc.)
• Prototype, Integrate, and Test component parts and assemblies
• Develop test plans and procedures for mechanical subsystems
• Perform test and evaluation of component parts and systems
• Participate in peer reviews, PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
• Participate in product change review meetings and discussions and implement changes
• Participate in interdisciplinary design teams and reviews
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Able to work independently with limited supervision
• Adhere to company processes for product development, configuration management, purchasing, etc.
• Direct Designers/ Technicians/Operators as part of a design team
• Support field testing/demonstration efforts as an ME field representative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance (or held within the last 2 years)
• Must hold or be able to obtain a favorable polygraph

Preferred Additional Skills

• Comfortable collecting technical concepts and presenting them to program leadership
• 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

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $102,000 - $189,000.

Benefits

• Health and disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• EAP
• Education assistance
• Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Company-paid holidays

The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.