Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob DescriptionThis Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the design and development of ground control shelters and enclosures used as communications and equipment hubs for perimeter security and aerostat applications. You will lead mechanical design, engineering analysis, packaging, and parts selection for complex defense products, ensuring robust EMI/EMP hardening, flooring, steel plating, wiring, and rail systems for cabling and server racks. The position involves full lifecycle ownership from concept through testing, documentation, and factory introduction and support, contributing to mission-critical systems that help protect service members and international partners.
Responsibilities
- Design ground control shelters and enclosures that serve as communications and equipment hubs for perimeter security and aerostat applications.
- Develop mechanical designs that incorporate EMI and EMP hardening, including flooring, steel plating, wiring, and rail systems for cabling and server racks.
- Perform mechanical engineering analysis using SolidWorks and associated analytical software, including thermal, stress, tolerance, and FEA analyses at the systems level.
- Select and specify mechanical parts and materials that meet performance, environmental, and reliability requirements for defense products.
- Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, applying ANSI Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards.
- Conduct and support environmental testing in accordance with DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 requirements.
- Develop and maintain clear, accurate technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and engineering change documentation.
- Support factory introduction and production, collaborating with manufacturing to ensure efficient methods, flows, and design for manufacturability.
- Apply heat transfer methods at the systems level to ensure adequate thermal management of equipment and enclosures.
- Perform tolerance analysis and other engineering calculations to verify design robustness and compliance with requirements.
- Contribute to bid, proposal, and pursuit activities by providing technical input, estimates, and design concepts.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and program staff, to meet project objectives and schedules.
- Work with customer and vendor stakeholders to build and maintain strong, productive relationships.
- Support the design of motorized vehicle integrated systems and grounding/bonding designs as needed for platform installations.
- Apply relevant standards such as ISO, ANSI, and SAE in the design and documentation of mechanical systems.
- Participate in reliability, maintainability, and supportability considerations for mechanical designs.
- Contribute to corrosion control strategies and other durability-focused design features.
- Operate as a self-driven problem solver, quickly learning new technologies and approaches to meet project demands.
- Provide ongoing engineering support for large, complex programs that may open opportunities for additional future projects.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent discipline.
- 510+ years of experience in product development and hands-on mechanical engineering.
- High mechanical aptitude with a strong foundation in mechanical design principles.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
- Ability to perform analysis using SolidWorks-associated analytical software applications.
- Experience with DO-160 environmental testing requirements.
- Experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing requirements.
- Experience with ANSI Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience with heat transfer methods at the systems level, rather than only at board or component level.
- Experience with thermal analysis, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA).
- Demonstrated strong technical writing skills and documentation capabilities.
- Self-driven problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Ability to quickly learn new tools, technologies, and processes relevant to mechanical design and analysis.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with manufacturing methods and production flow.
- Experience with properties of materials and their application in mechanical designs.
- Experience with requirement management tools.
- Experience working with Department of Defense or government contracts.
- Experience designing motorized vehicle integrated systems.
- Experience with grounding and bonding designs for platforms and equipment.
- Experience contributing to bid, proposal, and pursuit activities for engineering programs.
- Experience building and maintaining strong customer and vendor relationships.
- Knowledge of reliability, maintainability, and supportability (RM&S) principles.
- Knowledge of corrosion control techniques and design practices.
- Knowledge of additive manufacturing methods and their application to mechanical components.
- Experience with platform installation considerations and integration of mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of welding processes and design for welded structures.
- Experience or familiarity with wind sail analysis.
- Knowledge of ISO, ANSI, and SAE standards applicable to mechanical engineering.
- Understanding of power generation systems and their mechanical integration.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a fast-paced office environment supporting a large, high-impact defense project that may lead to additional future opportunities. You will work closely with a team of four or more engineering and technical professionals, collaborating on complex, cutting-edge technology that contributes to the protection of service members and global partners. The environment emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and strong documentation practices, with regular interaction across engineering, manufacturing, and program functions. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of GILBERT, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $41.00 - $65.00/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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of GILBERT, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in GILBERT,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.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
