Mechanical Engineer IIJob DescriptionThe Mechanical Engineer II designs, analyzes, and documents static and dynamic mechanical systems, equipment, and packages, supporting the full lifecycle from concept through testing and production. This role conducts feasibility studies on new and modified designs, prepares and reviews detailed design documentation, and collaborates closely with drafting, production, integration, and test teams to turn concepts into working hardware. The position operates with significant independence, receiving assignments in the form of objectives and establishing goals to meet those objectives, while contributing directly to the organizations technical and programmatic success.Responsibilities
- Perform structural design of mechanical systems and components using SolidWorks CAD software.
- Create parts and assemblies in CAD and develop fully detailed 2D drawings suitable for production and inspection.
- Generate engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.100 and ASME Y14.5 standards to ensure proper documentation and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- Produce complete technical data packages in accordance with applicable military standards (MIL-STD) for use by manufacturing, quality, and customers.
- Conduct feasibility studies and design analyses on new and modified mechanical designs to verify performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Complete trade studies and perform commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) component research to support effective component selection and system optimization.
- Apply knowledge of Mil-Spec fasteners and materials to ensure robust, compliant mechanical designs.
- Design weldments and incorporate weldment best practices into structural and mechanical assemblies.
- Provide design information and guidance to drafting personnel for packaging and documentation of mechanical systems.
- Direct and support personnel involved in detailed design, design testing, and prototype fabrication activities.
- Collaborate with production teams to transition designs into hardware and support build and assembly processes as needed.
- Assist with hardware integration and installation activities, ensuring proper fit, function, and alignment of mechanical components and systems.
- Work with testing teams to support test planning and execution, helping to put hardware into action and resolve mechanical issues identified during testing.
- Analyze data and technical information to evaluate design options, identify risks, and recommend solutions within established practices and policies.
- Exercise independent judgment in selecting methods and techniques to achieve design and project objectives.
- Interact frequently with external customers and functional peer groups, presenting technical information on specific projects, schedules, and design decisions.
- Contribute to the development of organizational goals and objectives through sound engineering decisions and timely completion of design work.
- Administer and recommend changes to unit or sub-unit policies that affect subordinate employees when in a supervisory or guidance capacity.
- Operate with significant latitude in determining objectives for assignments, and determine methods and procedures for new design tasks.
- Provide guidance or informal supervision to other personnel, sharing expertise and supporting completion of complex engineering assignments.
Essential Skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles related to static and dynamic design of mechanical systems, equipment, and packages.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD software for structural design, part and assembly modeling, and detailed drawing creation.
- Strong ability to generate engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.100 and ASME Y14.5 standards, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- Experience producing complete technical data packages in accordance with relevant military standards (MIL-STD).
- Demonstrated capability to conduct feasibility studies and testing on new and modified mechanical designs.
- Ability to perform trade studies and COTS part research for effective component selection and system optimization.
- Knowledge of Mil-Spec fasteners and materials and their application in mechanical and structural designs.
- Knowledge of weldment design and the ability to incorporate weldment practices into mechanical assemblies.
- Strong analytical skills to work on problems of diverse scope and evaluate data and identifiable factors to reach sound engineering conclusions.
- Effective communication and presentation skills for interacting with customers, peer groups, and cross-functional teams and for presenting technical information.
- Ability to operate independently with minimal direction, exercising judgment within generally defined practices and policies.
- Bachelors degree in a related field.
- Approximately 4 years of related mechanical engineering experience.
- Willingness to work on offensive weapons systems, with clear understanding of the nature of the work.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance, including successfully completing the clearance process initiated at the start of employment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior experience working in the defense industry is strongly preferred.
- Experience using CAD and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software on a daily basis to manage designs and associated documentation.
- Experienced in directing or supporting personnel engaged in detailed design, testing, and prototype fabrication.
- Experience collaborating with production, integration, and test teams to transition designs into hardware and support system-level activities.
- Familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD) beyond data package generation is beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to administer and recommend changes to team or unit policies when appropriate.
- Experience presenting complex technical information to external customers and internal stakeholders.
- Proven ability to handle difficult and complex assignments in an administrative and technical field.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple design tasks and schedules.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based 100% onsite in a defense-oriented engineering and manufacturing environment. You will work daily with CAD and PLM software to develop and manage mechanical designs, and you will collaborate closely with drafting, production, integration, and testing teams on the shop floor and in lab or test areas. The work involves offensive weapons systems and requires participation in a security clearance process initiated at the start of employment. The environment emphasizes adherence to ASME and MIL-STD standards, structured documentation, and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on meeting project schedules and contributing to organizational goals while operating with a high degree of professional independence. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $55.00/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 position based out of Huntsville, AL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.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.
