Mechanical Engineer Healdsburg, CA

Job Description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee‑owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us. As a Mechanical Engineer at Areté, you will be responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing, assembling, and testing mechanical, electro‑mechanical, and opto‑mechanical systems and components. These advanced technologies are primarily employed in maritime and aerial environments, where your expertise will contribute to our ongoing pursuit of excellence. This position is based in our Healdsburg, CA office. This is an exempt, non‑supervisory, full‑time position.

• Create conceptual designs for custom mechanical components and select appropriate components.
• Conduct calculations, modeling, and simulations to predict mechanical system performance.
• Support design reviews and technical briefings.
• Support development of systems specifications and requirements.
• Produce detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, and build/test procedures.
• Coordinate the quoting process and provide fabrication support.
• Assemble and test systems in both lab and in‑field environments.
• Travel typically ranging from 10%–20%.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long‑Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast‑paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Experience with CAD software (Creo or Solid Works preferred)
• Familiarity with Finite Element or Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis (Solid Works Simulation & Flow Simulation/ANSYS/Fluent)
• Capable of implementing hardware solutions
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on general machine shop environment
• Proficient in using standard MS Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Able to support outdoor field tests, lab assembly, test and integration hands‑on tasks, occasional lifting of hardware as required, and occasional travel.

• Adaptable and able to support various roles in different system development projects.
• Possesses intellectual curiosity and a strong desire for continuous learning.
• A skilled and innovative problem solver
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Exhibits a strong work ethic.
• Detail‑oriented in approach
• Proactively conducts research to fill knowledge gaps by consulting available literature as needed.
• High level of design experience including design for manufacturing, cable/harnessing, etc.
• Production development and support experience.

• Engineer II: $95,000 – $115,000 (minimum experience: BS + 2 years or MS + 0 years)
• Staff Engineer: $110,000 – $132,000 (minimum experience: BS + 5 years, MS + 3 years, or PhD + 0 years)

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration. Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility. Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). test is required to meet position eligibility. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818‑885‑2200 for assistance.