MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Check Defense, LLC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Check Defense, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, model, fabricate, and test mechanical subsystems for unmanned systems. You will work with software, technicians, and government stakeholders to adapt platforms into operational capabilities.

The role emphasizes CAD proficiency, rapid prototyping, field testing, and compliance with operational requirements for Group 1/2 UxS. A SECRET clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on engineering experience preferred.
• Active SECRET clearance with TS/SCI eligibility."

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate mechanical components for Group 1/2 unmanned systems.
• Model, prototype, test, and sustain mechanical solutions.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and government stakeholders.

Skills

CAD modeling

Unmanned systems

Finite element/structural analysis

Thermal management

Fabrication/machining

3D printing

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Rhino

Job description

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

Security Clearance: Active SECRET Clearance Required (TS/SCI Eligibility Required)

Position Status: Contingent Upon Contract Award, Start Date: 28 September 2026

Position Overview

Check Defense is a fast-growing federal contractor seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, and sustainment of unmanned systems and mission technologies. This position focuses on designing, modeling, fabricating, integrating, and evaluating mechanical solutions for Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned systems supporting operational, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communications, and specialized mission requirements.

The Mechanical Engineer will work closely with software engineers, technicians, operators, and Government stakeholders to adapt commercial and developmental unmanned platforms into operationally relevant capabilities. The successful candidate will leverage advanced engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD), rapid prototyping, fabrication, and field testing to deliver innovative solutions that meet demanding operational requirements.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Hands-on professional experience within the last 5 years supporting Group 1 and/or Group 2 UxS in design, integration, fabrication, testing, and/or sustainment preferred; Group 3 UxS experience may be considered
• Experience with commercially available UxS is desirable
• Extensive knowledge of aviation principles and unmanned systems (3 years)
• Extensive knowledge of electric propulsion and combustible power systems (3 years)
• Understanding of material properties (strength, weight, durability, thermal conductivity) and their impact on UxS performance
• Proven ability to select materials and design structures meeting load-bearing, vibration resistance, and environmental requirements
• Experience designing and developing launch and recovery mechanisms for manned or unmanned systems
• Expertise with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino)
• Hands-on experience designing and fabricating enclosures, housings, and custom mounting brackets
• Comfortable working in a shop environment with industrial power tools and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Hands-on CNC manufacturing experience
• Ability to incorporate thermal management, shock absorption, stress, and vibration mitigation into designs
• Ability to analyze complex UxS design problems and payload integration challenges
• Experience designing and installing antenna systems for UxSUnderstanding of RF interference, lightning protection, grounding, and shielding techniques
• Hands-on experience with FDM, SLS, and SLA 3D printing technologies and materials such as PLA, PETG/ABS, and TPU.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related engineering or science discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands‑on professional engineering experience.
• Active SECRET Security Clearance with eligibility to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.
• Experience using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino, or comparable CAD modeling software.
• Experience developing mechanical designs, fabrication drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of structural design principles, materials engineering, and mechanical analysis techniques.
• Experience supporting prototype development, fabrication, testing, and system integration activities.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience supporting Group 1 or Group 2 unmanned systems.
• Relevant Group 3 unmanned systems experience.
• Experience integrating sensors, communications equipment, intelligence systems, or specialized mission payloads.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping technologies.
• Experience operating CNC equipment and conventional fabrication tools.
• Familiarity with military, Special Operations, or defense‑related unmanned systems programs.
• Experience supporting operational demonstrations, exercises, testing, and fielding activities.
• Understanding of RF integration, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and antenna system design considerations.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Mechanical engineering design principles
• Unmanned systems architecture and integration
• Computer‑aided design (CAD) and modeling
• Structural, stress, thermal, and vibration analysis
• Additive manufacturing and prototyping methodologies
• Fabrication and machining processes
• Materials selection and engineering evaluation
• Field testing and operational assessment methodologies
• Technical documentation and configuration management
• Cross‑functional engineering collaboration
• Problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis
• Written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be capable of:

• Working in laboratory, fabrication, office, and field environments.
• Lifting and carrying engineering equipment and components weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Standing, bending, kneeling, and working around mechanical equipment for extended periods.
• Operating in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions during testing and field events.
• Traveling domestically and internationally as required to support testing, demonstrations, training exercises, and deployments.
• Supporting occasional extended‑duration field operations in austere environments.

Travel

• CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required for testing, exercises, demonstrations, deployments, and fielding activities