Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Herndon, VA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and support first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and power systems for spacecraft and satellite structures. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex engineering challenges in a national security context.

Responsibilities include leading technical discussions, performing CAD/FEA, documenting findings, and supporting testing and development across spacecraft payloads and ground control systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years with bachelor's, 4+ years with master's, or 2+ years with PhD.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex mechanical engineering work with guidance on objectives and results.
• Develop, document, and present technical findings to staff and stakeholders.
• Lead small contract projects as primary technical contact when needed.
• Support operation of engineering systems and document resolutions.
• Devise new approaches to resolve unusual engineering problems in spacecraft.
• Troubleshoot conflicting requirements and coordinate with teams.
• Prepare technical documentation and deliver presentations.
• Provide direction to design staff and lead engineers when required.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information for national security programs.
• Follow laws, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with teams on spacecraft payloads, ground control, and cyber capabilities.
• Contribute to structural and thermal design and testing of spacecraft structures.
• Support hardware testing and environmental verification as needed.
• Perform other duties to support programs.

Skills

Spacecraft systems

CAD/FEA

SolidWorks

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Thermal modeling

Propulsion design

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelors/Masters/PhD)

Tools

SolidWorks

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to work as a Mechanical Engineer within a highly innovative team that develops cutting-edge security and space-based solutions for government customers. You will design, analyze, and support first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems, spacecraft payloads, and satellite structures, often in highly constrained, power-limited environments. The position involves tackling complex, non-traditional engineering challenges in the national security arena while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams focused on spacecraft systems, ground control, embedded software, and unique cyber capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform difficult and complex mechanical engineering work with guidance focused on overall objectives and expected results.
• Develop, document, and present technical findings, ensuring clear communication of results to engineering staff and stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary technical point of contact on small contracts or single component projects, representing the organization in technical discussions as needed.
• Support the operation of engineering systems, identify issues, and document problems and resolutions thoroughly.
• Devise new approaches and methodologies to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems in spacecraft and related systems.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design and development requirements, including challenging coordination and special material requirements.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation and deliver formal technical presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Provide direction and technical guidance to design and technical staff, and lead a team of moderately experienced professional engineers when required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and classified information while working on national security-related programs.
• Observe and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations in the performance of engineering work.
• Work safely and consistently follow established operating procedures, engineering standards, and best practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams involved in spacecraft payloads, satellite systems, ground control, embedded software, and cyber capabilities.
• Contribute to the structural and thermal design, analysis, and testing of metallic and composite spacecraft structures, where applicable.
• Support or participate in hardware spacecraft testing, including environmental testing and verification of test requirements, when needed.
• Perform other related engineering duties as assigned to support program and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree, masters degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of formal education.
• Progressive engineering experience typically including six or more years with a bachelors degree, four or more years with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD.
• Previous experience with satellite space systems.
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and/or finite element analysis (FEA) software such as SolidWorks, NASTRAN, or ANSYS.
• Thorough understanding of core engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with demonstrated broad application of those concepts.
• Ability to develop and communicate new engineering concepts and apply them accurately in evolving technical environments.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and determine appropriate approaches at the task level, and with support, at the project level, to solve complex problems.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly and deliver effective technical presentations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Commitment to safe work practices and adherence to established operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with structural analysis of metallic and composite spacecraft structures.
• Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, environmental testing, and development or interpretation of test requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency in thermal modeling and simulation tools for space applications, such as Thermal Desktop.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal management techniques, and selection of materials suitable for space environments.
• Knowledge of propulsion system design and experience with the development and testing of cold gas propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with the full satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft-level environmental testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties beyond core mechanical engineering.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams that include spacecraft payload, system development, ground control, embedded software, and cyber capabilities.
• Interest in working on innovative, non-traditional solutions to challenging national security problems.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite at a smaller, highly focused business unit, providing a close-knit environment where you will not feel like just another cog in the wheel. The team emphasizes hands-on work with small satellites and advanced systems for government and intelligence community customers. You will work a 9/80 schedule, which typically provides every other Friday off while maintaining full-time hours over a two-week period. The environment is multidisciplinary and fast-paced, with exposure to CAD and FEA tools such as SolidWorks, NASTRAN, and ANSYS, as well as structural, thermal, and environmental testing of spacecraft hardware. The culture values innovation, collaboration, diverse perspectives, and the ability to tackle complex technical challenges in support of critical national security missions.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $99500.00 - $170750.00/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.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Herndon, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 2026.

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.