Engineering Design III

Mechanical Engineer III

Environmental Test Systems | Secret Clearance Required | Advanced Defense Programs

We're seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to support the design, development, and operation of advanced environmental test systems used to validate mission-critical defense technologies. This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in thermal systems, vibration testing, mechanical design, and test equipment development who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges in a highly collaborative environment. You'll join a specialized Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) Engineering team responsible for designing and supporting the cooling, vibration, and environmental test systems used to qualify sophisticated hardware for defense applications. This position offers direct involvement with cutting-edge technology programs and significant visibility across engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams. Due to program requirements, candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active DoD Secret Clearance at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
### What You'll Do
Design, develop, and support environmental test systems, including cooling systems, vibration fixtures, and specialized test equipment. Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external stakeholders to define requirements and deliver effective test solutions. Support Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) and environmental qualification testing activities. Create and maintain mechanical designs, engineering documentation, and design specifications. Develop schedules, estimates, and technical approaches to support program objectives. Evaluate engineering risks and communicate recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Interpret electrical schematics and interconnect diagrams to support integrated test system development. Support maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts for thermal and vibration test equipment. Participate in design reviews, technical presentations, and customer briefings.
### What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience. Master's degree with 3+ years of experience may also be considered. Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required. Experience developing and maintaining engineering design specifications. Proficiency with mechanical CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar platforms. Experience designing, maintaining, or supporting cooling systems and vibration test equipment. Ability to interpret electrical schematics and interconnect diagrams. Strong technical communication and problem-solving skills.
### Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or highly regulated engineering programs. Experience with refrigerant-based and liquid-cooled thermal management systems. Experience integrating hardware and test equipment into larger systems. Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing requirements. Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility. EPA Section 608 Universal Certification or willingness to obtain. Experience presenting technical solutions during design reviews and customer meetings. Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
### Why Join?
Support advanced defense technologies that require rigorous environmental qualification and reliability testing. Work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams on highly visible programs. Gain exposure to thermal systems, vibration testing, environmental qualification, and specialized test equipment design. Play a critical role in ensuring mission-critical hardware performs in demanding real-world environments. Opportunity for long-term technical growth within a highly specialized engineering organization.
### Work Environment
This position is based in Baltimore, MD and involves hands-on work in both engineering and laboratory environments. The role combines mechanical design, test system development, troubleshooting, and collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and program teams. Engineers have direct involvement in the design and operation of sophisticated thermal and vibration test systems supporting some of the industry's most advanced defense programs. Ideal for engineers with several years of mechanical design and test systems experience who are looking to leverage an active Secret Clearance while expanding their expertise in environmental testing, thermal management, and defense engineering.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Baltimore, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $95.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Baltimore, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Baltimore,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
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.