Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer will work to develop new generations of sensing, real-time processing, and actuation technologies in a fast-paced and exciting environment. As part of a small and dedicated team, you will be given immediate responsibility for designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems. You will develop designs from concept to production, with hands-on involvement to oversee parts fabrication, system assembly, and validation testing along the way.

• Design and analyze complex mechanical systems.
• Develop designs from concept to production.
• Oversee parts fabrication, system assembly, and validation testing.
• Use CAD for design, along with analysis tools such as Excel and MATLAB.
• Supervise prototype part fabrication in-house and larger orders outsourced to local vendors.
• Conduct regular validation testing at internal and other test facilities.
• Apply experience across a wide range of design challenges, including designing for various manufacturing methods.
• Conduct thorough analysis of designs before fabrication and perform validation and failure analysis of produced parts and assemblies.
• Prepare and review production documentation.
• Guide less experienced engineers on the team.
• Identify and implement new processes or design approaches to improve product quality and engineering process efficiency.

• Proficiency in Solid Works, CAD, MATLAB, Solid Works Simulation.
• Familiarity with MIL standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of experience or Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years of experience.

The work environment involves a 70/30 split between in-house design and off-site testing either in labs or at customer sites. This role offers the opportunity to join an advanced team of designers creating mission-critical military and automotive designs for some of the most advanced tactical vehicles.

This is a Contract position based out of Herndon, VA.

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $180000.00/hr.

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)

This is a hybrid position in Herndon, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 16, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.