Mechanical Engineer

Trident Systems; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Holidays

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

Trident Systems in Sterling, VA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (level 2) to design, analyze and document mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems used in space, aerospace, and defense applications.

Under guidance from senior engineers, you will model enclosures, card guides, brackets, and thermal solutions using SolidWorks, create drawings with GD&T, and assist with environmental testing and prototype builds.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 2+ years of mechanical design experience.
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
• Fundamental concepts: statics, dynamics, heat transfer, and basic structural/thermal analysis.
• Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings with GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and take directions from senior engineers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the mechanical design and modeling of enclosures and supporting hardware using 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks).
• Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction of more senior engineers.
• Perform basic structural and thermal analyses (hand calculations and introductory FEA) with mentorship and review.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
• Participate in design and peer reviews, incorporating feedback to improve design quality and documentation.
• Support prototype builds and integration activities, coordinating with manufacturing and implementing minor design changes.
• Assist with environmental and qualification testing (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum), including fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
• Work with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements and integration constraints.
• Follow CM and PLM processes for release and change control of mechanical artifacts.
• Document lessons learned and suggest incremental process or tool improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

2+ years experience

3D CAD

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Requisition ID: 1910
Position Location: Sterling, VA
Position Reports To: Senior Director, Hardware Engineering
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer (level 2) supports the design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems. Working under the guidance of senior and principal mechanical engineers, this role contributes to the mechanical design of enclosures, card guides, brackets, thermal solutions, and related hardware for space, aerospace, and defense applications.

The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, is comfortable using 3D CAD tools, and is eager to learn how to design and qualify hardware for challenging environments. This role offers hands on experience throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and modeling through drawing release, build support, and environmental testing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the mechanical design and modeling of electronic assemblies, enclosures, and supporting hardware using 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction of more senior engineers.
• Perform basic structural and thermal analyses (hand calculations and introductory FEA) to support design decisions, with mentorship and review.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
• Participate in design and peer reviews, incorporating feedback to improve design quality and documentation.
• Support prototype builds and integration activities, including coordinating with manufacturing, reviewing build issues, and implementing minor design changes.
• Assist with environmental and qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum), including fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
• Work closely with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements and integration constraints.
• Follow Trident's configuration management and PDM/PLM processes for release and change control of mechanical artifacts.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and suggesting incremental process or tool enhancements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET accredited program.
• 2+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred, or similar).
• Familiarity with fundamental mechanical engineering concepts such as statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, and basic structural/thermal analysis.
• Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings; exposure to GD&T concepts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to take directions from senior engineers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics packaging.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock).
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management practices.
• Exposure to space or high reliability electronics packaging (e.g., conduction cooled assemblies, VPX or similar standards).
• Hands on experience with prototype hardware, lab testing, or shop tools.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $64,000 - $105,000

Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k) (including company match)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
• Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Trident Solutions is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)