Development Engineer

Job Title: Development Engineer Job Description
The Development Engineer supports the design, development, qualification, and production of complex aerospace and defense products. In this role, you serve as a technical lead on development programs, managing technical execution, design activities, testing efforts, and project schedules from initial concept through production release. You work closely with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements while remaining manufacturable and cost-effective.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical execution of internal and customer-funded development programs from concept through production release.
- Create and maintain engineering documentation, including technical data packages, product test plans, and design records.
- Develop 3D models and conceptual designs based on customer requirements, performance objectives, and system constraints.
- Conduct engineering trade studies, design evaluations, and analytical calculations to optimize performance, cost, and risk.
- Perform tolerance stack-up analyses to validate design performance, robustness, and manufacturability.
- Collaborate directly with customers to define and clarify requirements, review designs, and address technical questions and issues.
- Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support prototype development, risk reduction activities, and design-for-manufacture considerations.
- Develop, allocate, and manage system and component-level requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
- Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and track risk reduction actions to closure.
- Coordinate technical activities across cross-functional project teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
- Support proposal development and cost estimating by providing technical input, scope definition, and engineering effort estimates.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure designs are producible, meet customer requirements, and align with internal standards.
- Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and review materials for internal design reviews and customer approvals.
- Serve as a technical leader by guiding engineering activities, mentoring team members, and driving adherence to engineering best practices.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Experience in product development, design engineering, project engineering, or related technical roles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and coordinate engineering activities across multiple stakeholders.
- Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings; SolidWorks experience preferred.
- Strong understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience interpreting customer specifications, industry standards, and military or government requirements.
- Strong analytical thinking skills with the ability to perform engineering calculations, trade studies, and tolerance analyses.
- Proven troubleshooting and root cause investigation capabilities in a technical environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for communicating with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting new product development efforts from concept through production, including design, testing, and release.
- Knowledge of rapid prototyping methods and manufacturing processes relevant to mechanical and aerospace products.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project, for documentation, scheduling, and reporting.
- Experience using engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS or similar finite element analysis software.
- Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with customers and suppliers to resolve technical issues and align on requirements.
Work Environment
You work in a highly technical, project-driven environment focused on the development and production of complex aerospace and defense products. Daily work involves extensive use of 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, engineering analysis software, and standard office applications including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project. You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, as well as with external customers and suppliers. The role includes participation in design reviews, technical meetings, and coordination of prototype builds and testing activities. Work is structured around program schedules and milestones, requiring strong organization, documentation, and communication. The environment emphasizes compliance with industry standards, military and government requirements, and rigorous engineering processes.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Moorpark, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/yr. 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. Medical insurance
401(k) plan with company matching and 100% vesting upon start
Paid parental leave
Tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books, and fees
Annual Incentive Program (bonus program)
Employee wellness programs
Development opportunities, mentorship, and career growth programs
Competitive salaries and bonus plan
Vacation and paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Life insurance and disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
401(k) with company match
Wellness program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Moorpark, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Moorpark,CA. 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.