Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description
This role focuses on the mechanical design and engineering of ground control shelters and enclosures that serve as communications and equipment hubs for perimeter security and aerostat applications. You will design EMI/EMP hardening, flooring, steel plating, wiring, and rail systems for cabling and server racks, supporting advanced defense products that protect personnel and critical infrastructure. The position encompasses mechanical design, engineering analysis, development, packaging, parts selection and specification, testing, documentation, and factory introduction and support.
Responsibilities
- Design ground control shelters and enclosures that function as communications and equipment hubs for perimeter security and aerostat applications.
- Develop mechanical designs for EMI and EMP hardening, including flooring, steel plating, wiring, and rail systems for cabling and server racks.
- Perform mechanical design and engineering analysis using SolidWorks and associated analytical software tools.
- Conduct thermal analysis, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) at the systems level.
- Apply ANSI Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards to ensure accurate and manufacturable designs.
- Incorporate DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 environmental testing requirements into product designs and validation plans.
- Select and specify mechanical components, materials, and packaging solutions suitable for defense product applications.
- Prepare detailed technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, reports, and test plans, with strong technical writing quality.
- Support factory introduction of new products, including design transfer, production support, and resolution of manufacturing issues.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team to integrate mechanical systems with electronics, cabling, and server rack infrastructure.
- Contribute to product development activities from concept through production, ensuring reliability, maintainability, and supportability.
- Participate in bid, proposal, and pursuit activities by providing mechanical engineering input, estimates, and technical content as needed.
- Work with customer and vendor stakeholders to build and maintain effective relationships that support project execution.
- Apply knowledge of heat transfer methods at the systems level to ensure adequate cooling and environmental performance.
- Support grounding and bonding design efforts to ensure proper electrical performance and safety in integrated systems.
- Assist with platform installation and integration of motorized vehicle systems when required by project scope.
- Provide input on manufacturing methods, process flow, and material properties to optimize designs for production.
- Engage in continuous learning to stay current with relevant standards such as ISO, ANSI, and SAE, as well as emerging technologies like additive manufacturing and corrosion control.
- Act as a self-driven problem solver, quickly learning new tools and concepts to address complex mechanical engineering challenges.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
- 5–10+ years of experience in product development with hands-on mechanical engineering responsibilities.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks for mechanical design and modeling.
- Ability to perform analysis using SolidWorks-associated analytical software applications.
- Experience with DO-160 environmental testing requirements.
- Experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing requirements.
- Proficiency in ANSI Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
- Experience with heat transfer methods at the systems level, rather than at board or component level only.
- Experience conducting thermal analysis, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and FEA.
- Demonstrated strong technical writing skills for documentation and reporting.
- High mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand complex mechanical systems.
- Self-driven problem-solving approach and ability to learn quickly in a dynamic environment.
- Strong documentation skills for capturing design intent, analysis results, and test outcomes.
- Must be proficient in SolidWorks for both design and analysis tasks.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with manufacturing methods and production flow for mechanical components and systems.
- Experience with properties of materials and their application in structural and environmental designs.
- Experience with requirements management tools for tracking and managing engineering requirements.
- Experience working with Department of Defense and government contracts.
- Experience designing motorized vehicle integrated systems.
- Experience with grounding and bonding designs for mechanical and electrical systems.
- Experience supporting bid, proposal, and pursuit activities with technical input.
- Experience building and maintaining strong customer and vendor relationships.
- Knowledge of Reliability, Maintainability, and Supportability (RM&S) principles.
- Knowledge of corrosion control methods and materials.
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing techniques and their application in mechanical design.
- Experience with platform installation and integration of mechanical systems.
- Exposure to welding processes and considerations for welded structures.
- Experience or familiarity with wind sail analysis for structures exposed to wind loads.
- Knowledge of ISO, ANSI, and SAE standards applicable to mechanical design and manufacturing.
- Understanding of power generation systems and their mechanical integration.
- Interest in integrating advanced, mission-focused technology that supports defense and security applications.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced office environment focused on large, complex defense-related projects. You will collaborate closely with a team of four or more engineers and technical professionals, working on high-impact initiatives that can lead to additional future opportunities. The work involves extensive use of SolidWorks and analytical tools, as well as interaction with manufacturing and testing teams to introduce products into production. The environment emphasizes teamwork, problem solving, and the integration of cutting-edge technology that contributes to the protection of personnel and partners at home and abroad.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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 [email protected] 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.