Mechanical Engineer - Defense, Optics & Prototyping

Marmon Group; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc. in Norfolk, VA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, validate, and support production of fiber optic and telecom hardware for defense and aerospace.

You’ll blend system-level engineering with hands-on prototyping and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver rugged, manufacturable solutions meeting MIL‑STD and customer needs. The ideal candidate has 5–10 years’ experience, CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD), GD&T, FEA, prototyping, 3D printing, RF/optical test equipment, and CMM;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years of mechanical design and production support, preferably in defense, aerospace, or telecom hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and knowledge of mechanical drawing standards.
• Strong GD&T and tolerance analysis expertise.
• Experience with FEA/CAE tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with prototype builds, 3D printing, and CMM measurement.
• Familiarity with RF and optical test equipment, lab instrumentation, and data acquisition tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate mechanical systems from concept through production.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, and PMI-compliant documentation (SolidWorks/AutoCAD).
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and FEA to ensure manufacturability and compliance with MIL-STD and customer requirements.
• Conduct engineering calculations, simulations, and trade studies for material and design selection.
• Lead prototype builds, design validation, and transition to production; troubleshoot design and quality issues.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and training materials for manufacturing and assembly.
• Drive DFM/DFA and process improvements to reduce errors, increase efficiency, and improve throughput.
• Utilize 3D printing for rapid prototyping and tooling; perform CMM inspections for dimensional verification.
• Perform root cause analysis and incorporate test feedback into design refinements.
• Support setup and troubleshooting of RF and optical test equipment for validation and production readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on NPI and customer-driven projects.
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers for components, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Stay current on market trends and relevant technologies to guide product innovation.
• Review patent literature and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities and support IP development.
• Support invention disclosure processes and contribute to internal technical white papers or presentations to advance product innovations.
• Maintain product lifecycle documentation, including revision control, compliance records, and innovation disclosures.
• Manage multiple projects and report progress to management.
• Mentor early-career engineers or technicians on technical best practices, prototyping methods, or design-for-manufacturing techniques.

Skills

CAD (SolidWorks / AutoCAD)

GD&T and tolerance analysis

FEA/CAE tools (SolidWorks Simulation,

Prototype builds & 3D printing

RF and optical test equipment

CMM measurement

Design calculations & material sel

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP (Costpoint) familiarity

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

3D printing equipment

Job description

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc. in Norfolk, VA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, validate, and support production of fiber optic and telecom hardware for defense and aerospace.

You’ll blend system-level engineering with hands-on prototyping and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver rugged, manufacturable solutions meeting MIL‑STD and customer needs. The ideal candidate has 5–10 years’ experience, CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD), GD&T, FEA, prototyping, 3D printing, RF/optical test equipment, and CMM;