Senior Mechanical Engineer

Ultra Electronics Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

401K with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits

PTO + holidays

Employee development programs

Job summary

Ultra Intelligence & Communications in San Diego, CA is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to design and integrate mechanical systems for defense programs. You will work across disciplines to develop reliable, cost-effective solutions throughout their lifecycle.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, DFm, testing, and collaboration with suppliers, manufacturing, and QA to meet stringent industry standards and security requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8-10+ years of mechanical design and product development experience.
• Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Siemens NX) and GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems.
• Create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings with documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations, simulations, and tolerance analyses.
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and failure analysis.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.
• Drive DFM/DFA, reliability, and cost-optimization initiatives.
• Coordinate with suppliers and contract manufacturers for production readiness.
• Develop and execute engineering test plans and evaluate results.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support deployment, sustaining engineering, and continuous improvement.

Skills

3D CAD tools

Visio

3D Printing

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Prototype testing

Mechanical design principles

Manufacturing processes

Tolerance analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Siemens NX

Job description

Company Overview

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications Mission Solutions Powering Decision Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense. Mission Solutions By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team and contribute to the design, development, testing, and deployment of innovative mechanical systems and products. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical and design skills with hands‑on engineering experience to solve complex technical challenges and support products throughout their lifecycle. This role requires collaboration across mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and cost‑effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and documentation.
• Conduct engineering calculations, simulations, and tolerance analyses.
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and failure analysis activities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure product requirements are met.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM), assembly (DFA), reliability, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on component selection and production readiness.
• Develop and execute engineering test plans and evaluate results.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support product deployment, sustaining engineering, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 8-10+ years of mechanical design and product development experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or Siemens NX.
• Proficiency with Visio, and 3D Printing Experience creating detailed engineering drawings and GD&T documentation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with laboratory testing, prototyping, and root cause analysis.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, or computational modeling.
• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of sheet metal, castings, machined components, plastics, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering and environmental testing.
• Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export‑controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Annual Bonus
• Annual Bonus – Performance Related
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus 11 company holidays
• Early finish on Friday
• 401K w/ company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
• Student Loan Assistance Program
• Array of voluntary benefit offerings

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes.

We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email [e-mail].

Additional Information

Ultra specialises in providing application-engineered bespoke solutions. We focus on our customers’ mission critical and intelligent systems in the defence, security, critical detection, & control markets. Our capabilities and technologies can be found on many of the world’s long‑term military programmes. We employ over 4,500 employees across the globe and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Click here to learn more about us.