Senior Mechanical Engineer - Payloads

Actalent; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 104,697 - 119,851; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of optical payload systems for space applications in the Greater Seattle area. You will drive mechanical requirements, support production, and work with internal and external partners to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

The role demands a strong mechanical background, 10+ years in aerospace or satellite environments, and proficiency with Creo/Windchill.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience within the satellite, spacecraft, or launch vehicle industry.
• Mechanical design experience supporting optical systems.
• Experience progressing designs from initial concept through manufacturing release.
• Familiarity with mechanical requirements for spaceflight systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
• Proficiency with CAD modeling and manufacturing drawing creation.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 standards.
• Ability to meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR).

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and integration efforts for optical payload systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary internal teams and external partners throughout development programs.
• Define and manage mechanical requirements while supporting technical planning, risk management, and execution.
• Design spacecraft structures, assemblies, and components utilizing CAD tools.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing records.
• Evaluate design, test, and production data to support program objectives.
• Support manufacturing and integration teams by resolving build issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment as required.
• Contribute to production, integration, and test planning activities.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and schedule considerations.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD modeling

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

GD&T

Spaceflight experience

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Payloads

Job Description

Join an innovative aerospace and satellite technology organization in the Greater Seattle area as a Staff Mechanical Engineer. You will support the development and integration of advanced optical payload systems for space-based applications. As a technical leader and hands‑on contributor, you will oversee the payload lifecycle from concept development through production and integration. Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external partners to ensure that payload systems meet structural, thermal, performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and integration efforts for optical payload systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary internal teams and external partners throughout development programs.
• Define and manage mechanical requirements while supporting technical planning, risk management, and execution.
• Design spacecraft structures, assemblies, and components utilizing CAD tools.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing records.
• Evaluate design, test, and production data to support program objectives.
• Support manufacturing and integration teams by resolving build issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment as required.
• Contribute to production, integration, and test planning activities.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and schedule considerations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience within the satellite, spacecraft, or launch vehicle industry.
• Mechanical design experience supporting optical systems.
• Experience progressing designs from initial concept through manufacturing release.
• Familiarity with mechanical requirements for spaceflight systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
• Proficiency with CAD modeling and manufacturing drawing creation.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 standards.
• Ability to meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Creo and/or Windchill.
• Structural analysis and testing experience.
• Thermal analysis and testing experience.
• Experience supporting spacecraft integration and production environments.

Work Environment

The position is based in the Tukwila, WA area, offering a hybrid work schedule with flexibility. You will work in a lab/office environment with hands‑on interaction with prototype, flight, and support hardware.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $76.00 - $86.54/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan -- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.