Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on performing mechanical analysis, CAD design, and mechanical testing for complex materials, structural components, and functional systems within missile system products. You will use advanced structural and product design engineering tools, with a strong emphasis on Siemens NX, to develop and refine designs that support advanced aerospace and defense applications. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to launch vehicle and missile defense programs while working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Perform mechanical analysis, mechanical CAD design, and mechanical testing of complex materials, structural components, and functional systems for missile system products.
- Use advanced structural and product design engineering software tools along with CAD software, with a strong preference for Siemens NX, to create and refine detailed mechanical designs.
- Apply engineering principles to adapt or improve heritage features from previous successful designs of a similar nature, ensuring reliability and performance in new applications.
- Execute engineering design, development, analysis, and test activities to support assigned development, integration, and test projects.
- Develop test programs as needed to evaluate system elements, including materials, structural components, and other mechanical subsystems.
- Manage test activities and test article fabrication, including planning, coordination, oversight, and documentation of test results.
- Prepare clear, comprehensive written reports and technical documentation that capture design decisions, analysis results, and test outcomes.
- Communicate project status, design updates, and analysis or test results through written reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles in daily work to ensure precise and manufacturable designs in accordance with ASME standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams within an aerospace and defense environment, particularly on missile, launch vehicle, booster, or related systems.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, including upper-level coursework in mechanical design, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and vibrations.
- 410 years of aerospace design experience, preferably involving missile, launch vehicle, booster, or defense-related systems.
- Daily, hands-on experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including practical application on complex mechanical designs.
- Proficiency with Siemens NX for mechanical CAD design, including everyday use for modeling, drafting, and design updates.
- Strong understanding and application of GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
- Ability to develop and execute mechanical test programs, including planning, test article definition, and evaluation of materials and structural components.
- Experience managing test activities and overseeing test article fabrication, including thorough documentation of results.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical information and project status through written reports and presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Eligibility and ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance.
- Experience working within the aerospace or defense industry, particularly on missile, launch vehicle, or related systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience using Siemens NX versions 6 through 10 for mechanical design, with familiarity in advanced modeling and drafting features.
- Experience with Siemens NX 1946 and Teamcenter for integrated design and data management.
- ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T certification or equivalent formal training in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- Active U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance or higher.
- Prior experience working on launch vehicle programs or related aerospace platforms.
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including familiarity with associated processes and standards.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt heritage designs from previous programs and improve them for new applications.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in both design and test documentation.
- Motivation to work on advanced military and defense programs that support national and allied defense capabilities.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based in an office and engineering lab environment supporting advanced aerospace and defense programs, including launch vehicles, missile defense, and offensive strike weapon systems. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams using Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and advanced structural and product design tools. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, with a two-week cycle consisting of one 36-hour week and one 44-hour week, providing every other Friday off. The dress code is business casual. The organization offers competitive benefits upon conversion to a full-time role, including a 401(k) program with a matching contribution structure and the potential for discretionary company contributions. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and the opportunity to obtain or utilize a DoD Secret security clearance while contributing to mission-critical defense initiatives. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chandler, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $48.07 - $62.50/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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chandler, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chandler,AZ.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.
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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.
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