Mechanical Design Engineer (CATIA)

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer (CATIA) Job Description
The Mechanical Design Engineer (CATIA) provides critical engineering support for conceptual design activities within aerospace nacelle and thrust reverser programs. This role focuses on developing and refining mechanical layouts and designs using CATIA V5, managing design iterations through a PLM system, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility, performance, and manufacturability of complex aerostructure components.
Responsibilities
- Provide engineering support for project conceptual design activities related to nacelles, thrust reversers, and associated aerostructure components.
- Conduct design trade studies in coordination with program engineering leadership to refine and optimize conceptual designs.
- Utilize CATIA V5 to create detailed 3D and 2D layouts of mechanical design concepts for aircraft and aerospace applications.
- Manage design iterations and configuration control within the PLM system to maintain accurate and up-to-date design data.
- Coordinate with various engineering and technical functions to perform feasibility studies and validate design concepts.
- Collaborate with mass properties specialists to develop weight, center of gravity, and moment estimates for proposed designs.
- Prepare clear and concise engineering presentations that communicate design concepts, trade study results, and technical recommendations.
- Develop and mature 3D and 2D design layouts, ensuring alignment with system requirements and integration constraints.
- Participate actively in concept design reviews, presenting design work, addressing technical questions, and incorporating feedback.
- Support the maturation of interface control documents (ICDs) to ensure proper integration between systems and components.
- Provide periodic status updates on assigned tasks and coordinate closely with designated focal points to ensure timely completion.
- Follow preliminary schedules communicated at task initiation and adjust plans as needed as tasks progress.
- Identify design problems and propose effective engineering solutions using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact, guiding small teams or work packages as needed.
- Coordinate several projects or tasks simultaneously, managing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Essential Skills
- Strong proficiency in CATIA V5 for 3D modeling and 2D drafting of mechanical components and assemblies.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design in aerospace applications, including nacelles, thrust reversers, aerostructures, aero-acoustics, and engine-related components.
- Demonstrated ability to perform design trade studies and refine conceptual designs based on performance, weight, and integration considerations.
- Experience working with PLM systems to manage design iterations and engineering data; familiarity with Enovia is highly preferred.
- Solid understanding of composite and metallic structures, including sheet metal design, stackups, and associated manufacturing considerations.
- Knowledge of GD&T and tolerancing practices to ensure robust and manufacturable designs.
- Ability to create accurate and detailed engineering drawings and layouts using CATIA and related tools.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for presenting design concepts and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Effective interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence others and lead small teams or initiatives.
- Proven analytical and organizational abilities to manage complex design tasks and multiple concurrent projects.
- Effective problem identification and solution skills in a technical engineering environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with nacelle systems and thrust reverser design is highly preferred.
- Experience with PLM systems, with Enovia preferred for managing design data and configurations.
- Experience with composite design software such as Fibersim and/or CPD is preferred.
- Background in aeronautical or mechanical engineering, particularly in aircraft or aerospace structures.
- Familiarity with aero-acoustics considerations in nacelle and engine integration is beneficial.
- Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously while meeting quality and schedule requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact within an engineering organization.
Work Environment
The role is based in a large, modern aerospace manufacturing and engineering environment focused on the design and production of nacelles and thrust reversers for major aircraft and aerospace programs. The engineer works closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design, analysis, manufacturing, and mass properties specialists, using advanced tools such as CATIA V5, PLM systems (including Enovia), and composite design software like Fibersim or CPD. The facility supports complex aerostructure development and is one of the largest manufacturing sites of its kind in the region, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies, established engineering processes, and collaboration with global aerospace partners. Work is typically performed in an office and engineering lab setting within the facility, with standard professional attire expected and occasional participation in design reviews and cross-functional meetings.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Middle River, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.07 - $67.31/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Middle River, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,MD. 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
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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
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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