Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on researching, designing, developing, testing, certifying, deploying, and improving cutting-edge products and services across a wide range of aerospace applications. These include advanced mission payloads, electronic systems, highly integrated aircraft, and orbital and space exploration systems. You will conceptualize and deliver complex mechanical structures and systems and contribute to the design and development of new products and processes throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, develop, test, and improve mechanical structures, systems, and components for advanced aerospace applications.
• Support the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements definition through detailed design, development, testing, certification, deployment, and continuous improvement.
• Use Computer Aided Engineering tools, with a strong focus on CATIA V5 or V6, to create, modify, and manage 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings.
• Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary design and development teams, including systems, electrical, structural, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure integrated and optimized solutions.
• Apply practical engineering principles and practices to solve complex technical challenges and ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
• Contribute to the modification and integration of mission equipment and systems on commercial derivative aircraft platforms, including the design of interior modifications, workstations, sensor mounts, and antenna installations.
• Interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 to ensure clear, accurate, and manufacturable engineering documentation.
• Incorporate industry-standard mechanical design principles, including parametric design and model-based definition, into daily design activities.
• Work with material and hardware selection, manufacturing, and production processes to ensure that designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with production capabilities.
• Collaborate with analysis and simulation specialists on Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and thermal analysis to validate and refine mechanical designs.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions, providing clear documentation, rationale, and recommendations for design decisions.
• Support certification and compliance activities by providing accurate engineering data, models, and documentation as required by program and regulatory standards.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and quality in all engineering deliverables, including models, drawings, and technical reports.
• Meet physical requirements of the role, including the ability to frequently walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs or steps, and occasionally lift or carry up to 20 pounds as needed for work activities.

Essential Skills

• Practical knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
• 2 to 10 years of experience as a mechanical engineer or in a closely related engineering role.
• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools, with CATIA V5 or V6 strongly preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new CAD tools if CATIA experience is limited, supported by experience in tools such as CREO or NX.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Strong mechanical design skills, including 3D modeling and creation of detailed engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Understanding of engineering simulation concepts such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and thermal analysis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse engineering and project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Experience with commercial derivative aircraft, including modifications and integrations for special missions or surveillance roles.
• Familiarity with applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Understanding of engineering simulation tools and methods, including Finite Element structural Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and thermal analysis.
• Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, including parametric design and model-based definition.
• Experience with material and hardware selection for aerospace applications.
• Understanding of manufacturing and production processes relevant to mechanical and aerospace components.
• Experience with missionized aircraft, including integration of sensors, antennas, and specialized workstations, is beneficial.
• Interest in working on high-visibility, mission-focused programs with advanced surveillance and defense capabilities.

Work Environment

You will join a growing Mechanical Engineering team that currently includes approximately a dozen engineers and is expected to expand significantly. The role centers on advanced aerospace programs, including modifications to Bombardier Challenger 650 and Bombardier 6500 aircraft for specialized surveillance and defense missions. The environment is highly collaborative, with frequent interaction across disciplines to integrate mission systems, interior modifications, sensors, and antennas into complex aircraft platforms. Work is primarily performed indoors in an engineering office and lab setting. You will frequently walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs or steps during the workday and may occasionally lift or carry up to 20 pounds. You will rarely be exposed to outdoor elements such as extreme temperatures or precipitation, and only rarely to fumes, hazardous materials, or loud noises. The team uses modern Computer Aided Engineering tools, especially CATIA V5 and V6, along with related analysis and simulation technologies. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, and the opportunity to contribute to exciting, mission-critical aerospace programs in a professional and supportive setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hagerstown, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $51.74 - $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 & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hagerstown, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hagerstown,MD.

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.