Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer II

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer II role supports the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced mechanical and electromechanical systems for defense, space, directed energy, and advanced nuclear applications. You will work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and own hardware through the full lifecycle from concept and detailed design to prototyping, qualification, production, and field deployment.

The position focuses on complex systems such as naval and shipboard equipment, satellite and space structures, high-power thermal management solutions, and reactor structural components, offering broad exposure to cutting-edge technologies and mission-critical programs.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and subsystems using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, or Creo.
• Produce clear, accurate engineering drawings that comply with ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME Y14.100 drawing standards.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit, form, and function across complex assemblies.
• Select appropriate materials, finishes, fasteners, and thermal interface materials based on environmental and performance requirements.
• Support design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA) to enable efficient production and integration.
• Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, vibration, and shock loading conditions using tools such as ANSYS or Femap/Nastran.
• Conduct thermal analyses of liquid-cooled and conduction-cooled hardware, including high-power electronics and directed energy systems.
• Support structural assessments and qualifications to relevant military and industry standards, including MIL-STD-810, MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-167, GEVS/SMC-S-016, and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as applicable.
• Document analysis results in formal engineering reports and present findings at design and technical reviews.
• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities for prototype and production hardware in laboratory, production, and field environments.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and custom fixtures to validate mechanical and thermal performance.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support field, range, or customer-site installation and test activities as required, including occasional travel.
• Participate in formal design reviews such as System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR).
• Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, software, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure integrated, robust designs.
• Support proposal efforts by contributing design concepts, trade studies, and basis-of-estimate inputs.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), engineering change orders (ECOs), and nonconformance reports (NCRs).
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, ANSI/ESD S20.20 ESD controls, and applicable safety requirements.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving across multidisciplinary product lines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline and at least 2 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience (a Master’s degree with less experience or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree will be considered).
• Demonstrated proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, or Creo, including use of PDM/PLM tools.
• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 and drawing practices per ASME Y14.100.
• Experience performing structural and/or thermal analysis, including hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Understanding of common manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, castings, and composites.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear documentation and present technical content.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Motivation to work hands-on with hardware and see designs through to production and field deployment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment and support multiple product lines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret security clearance is highly desirable.
• Experience with shipboard or military hardware design, including familiarity with MIL-S-901D shock and MIL-STD-167 vibration requirements.
• Background in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or optical payload integration.
• Experience with liquid thermal management for high-power electronics or directed energy systems, including liquid cooling loops, cold plates, heat exchangers, and thermal energy storage.
• Experience designing nuclear or pressure vessel hardware to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
• Proficiency with thermal and fluid analysis tools such as ANSYS Icepak, ANSYS Fluent, Thermal Desktop, or similar software.
• Proficiency with structural analysis tools such as ANSYS Mechanical or Femap/Nastran.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing and qualification programs.
• Experience working within AS9100 quality systems, configuration management processes, and ESD-safe practices per ANSI/ESD S20.20.
• Experience with model-based definition (MBD) and tolerance analysis tools.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification, or active progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Interest in career growth within structured engineering ladders, with potential paths toward Principal Engineer, Systems Engineering, or Program Management.
• Enthusiasm for tackling first-of-a-kind technical problems and working on mission-critical systems where there may be no existing textbook solution.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern engineering and manufacturing environment in Southern California, supporting advanced defense, space, directed energy, and nuclear programs. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and spend time both at your workstation and on the production floor, integration labs, and test facilities.

The position offers a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off, and supports a balanced mix of design, analysis, hands-on hardware work, and test activities.

Engineers regularly interact with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, or Creo; FEA and thermal analysis tools including ANSYS and Femap/Nastran; and a range of test and integration equipment used for structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental qualification.

The culture emphasizes meaningful mission work, technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term program stability, with clear career development paths and mentorship from senior technical leaders. Benefits include competitive compensation, paid time off, retirement programs, and support for security clearance sponsorship for qualified U.S. citizens.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $68770.00 - $116193.00/yr.

Company benefits will be shared separately.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 30, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.