Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (Level 2) in Fairfax, VA for design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for aerospace, defense, and space applications. You’ll work on concepts, 3D modeling, drawing release, and environmental testing with mentorship from senior engineers.

The role emphasizes hands-on involvement throughout the lifecycle, collaboration across mechanical, electrical, systems, and test teams, and adherence to CM/PLM processes in a fully onsite environment

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program.
• 2+ years of mechanical design experience.
• 3D CAD tools proficiency, SolidWorks preferred.
• Fundamental concepts: statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, basic structural and thermal analysis.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings with exposure to GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively and take direction from senior engineers.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in mechanical design and 3D modeling of assemblies and enclosures using CAD tools.
• Create and update drawings with basic GD&T under supervision.
• Perform basic structural and thermal analyses with mentorship.
• Prepare BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
• Participate in design and peer reviews to improve quality.
• Support prototype builds and coordinate with manufacturing.
• Assist with environmental testing and fixture design as directed.
• Collaborate with electrical, systems, and test engineers to meet requirements.
• Follow CM/PLM processes for release and change control.
• Document lessons learned and suggest process improvements.
• Perform other duties to support program objectives.

Skills

3D CAD tools

GD&T knowledge

Structural & thermal analysis basics

Mechanical drawing interpretation

Team collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer (Level 2)

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer (Level 2) supports the design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems used in space, aerospace, and defense applications. This role offers hands‑on involvement throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development and 3D modeling through drawing release, build support, and environmental testing. Working under the guidance of principal mechanical engineers, you will help develop innovative, high-performance, radiation effectsmitigated electronic systems for challenging operating environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the mechanical design and 3D modeling of electronic assemblies, enclosures, and supporting hardware using CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction and review of sr engineers.
• Perform basic structural and thermal analyses, including hand calculations and introductory finite element analysis (FEA), to support design decisions with mentorship and oversight.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), drawing packages, and design review materials.
• Participate actively in design and peer reviews, incorporating feedback to improve design quality, robustness, and documentation.
• Support prototype builds and integration activities by coordinating with manufacturing teams, reviewing build issues, and implementing minor design changes as needed.
• Assist with environmental and qualification testing such as vibration, thermal, and thermal vacuum testing, including fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements, interface definitions, and integration constraints.
• Follow established configuration management and PDM/PLM processes for release, tracking, and change control of mechanical artifacts.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and suggesting incremental enhancements to processes, tools, and design practices.
• Perform other engineering duties as assigned to support program and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
• At least 2 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools, preferably SolidWorks or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with fundamental mechanical engineering concepts, including statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, and basic structural and thermal analysis.
• Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings, with exposure to GD&T concepts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from sr engineers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics packaging environments.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing, including vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, and shock testing.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management practices.
• Exposure to space or high-reliability electronics packaging, such as conduction-cooled assemblies and VPX or similar standards.
• Hands‑on experience with prototype hardware, laboratory testing, or shop tools.
• Interest in working on space‑flight hardware and supporting full lifecycle activities from design and analysis through manufacturing, integration, and environmental testing.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a highly technical engineering environment focused on space, aerospace, and defense electronic systems. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, systems, and test engineers, using modern tools such as 3D CAD (SolidWorks) and PDM/PLM systems within established configuration management processes. The work involves both office‑based design and documentation tasks and hands‑on activities in labs or shop areas, including prototype builds, integration support, and environmental and qualification testing (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock). The culture emphasizes rigorous engineering principles, collaborative design and peer reviews, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to see your designs transition into actual space‑flight hardware built for demanding applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $64000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfax,VA.

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 employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.