Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Artis Defense; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Artis Defense in Herndon, VA seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV to advance sensing, real-time processing, and actuation technologies. You will design from concept to production, supervise fabrication and assembly, and conduct validation testing using CAD, SolidWorks, Excel, and MATLAB.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of experience or MS with 7+ years, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience or MS with 7+ years.
• Experience with MIL‑STDs and qualification testing preferred.
• Strong design and analysis skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze complex mechanical systems from concept to production.
• Oversee parts fabrication, assembly and validation testing.
• Use CAD (SolidWorks) and analysis tools (MATLAB/Excel) routinely.
• Guide less experienced team members and drive process improvements.
• Coordinate with vendors for prototyping and production tooling.

Skills

Design for military/automotive systems

Production development

Strong math/science background

Verbal and written communication

Mentoring engineers

CAD experience

FEA experience

Measurement and test tooling

MIL‑STD awareness

MS Office / MATLAB

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen. No exceptions. An active security clearance at the Secret level or the ability to obtain a clearance is required. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for security clearances.

Overview

You will work to develop new generations of sensing and real-time processing and actuation technologies in a fast-paced and exciting environment. As part of a small and dedicated team, you will be given immediate responsibility for designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems. You will design from concept to production, with hands‑on involvement to oversee parts fabrication, system assembly and validation testing along the way. Typical day-to-day work is done using CAD for design, along with analysis tools such as Excel and MATLAB. Prototype part fabrication often occurs in‑house, with larger orders outsourced to local vendors under the engineer’s direct supervision. Once parts or systems become available, validation testing occurs on a regular basis at internal Artis facilities and may occur at other test facilities.

This advanced position will also require the application of your experience across a wide range of design challenges including designing for a variety of manufacturing methods, thorough analysis of designs before fabrication, validation and failure analysis of produced parts and assemblies, and production documentation preparation and review. Additionally, your significant experience will be utilized to help guide the effort of those engineers on the team with less experience. You will also aid in the identification and implementation of new processes or design approaches to improve the quality of our products and efficiency of our engineering process.

Skills

• Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems
• Experience bringing a product to full‑scale production preferred
• Strong reasoning and math/science background
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Highly motivated, interested in learning and ready to take on a variety of tasks
• CAD experience required (SolidWorks preferred)
• FEA experience preferred (SolidWorks Simulation preferred)
• Use of hand tools and measurement equipment required
• Experience using basic fabrication equipment (mills, lathes, welders, etc.) preferred
• Experience with MIL‑STDs and qualification testing preferred
• Computer Skills: Should be comfortable with standard Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.); experience with MATLAB and similar analysis tools preferred.
• GD&T experience a plus

Work Environment

This position works in an office environment 75% of the time with remaining time spent in shop areas and indoor and outdoor testing areas.

Position Type

This is a full‑time, exempt position. Work from home one day a week with generous flexibility on the other days.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee will be required to sit and climb or balance on a ladder at heights up to 10 ft. The employee will be required to work outdoors periodically in all weather conditions. The employee will be required to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel

Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years’ experience, or related degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years’ experience, or related degree and experience.