Senior Mechanical Engineer

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. Job Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Senior Mechanical Engineer with our client located in Washington, DC.

Job Description:

• Seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Mechanical Engineer to support work at the Naval Research Laboratory.
• This position offers the opportunity to directly impact high-priority Navy missions.
• The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of aerospace structures, mechanical components, and mechanisms.
• This role requires hands on experience with aerospace or spacecraft hardware and a strong understanding of modern aerospace design standards and practices. The engineer will lead detailed design activities, modeling, and documentation using industry standard CAD tools and drafting conventions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designs, analyzes, and directs the integration of structural components and mechanical assemblies for advanced space or air platforms
• Take ownership of mechanical subsystems from initial concept through environmental testing, ensuring all hardware meets engineering and environmental requirements
• Creates detailed 3D CAD models and fabrication drawings
• Performs preliminary structural and thermal finite element analysis (FEA)
• Collaborates with Integration and Test teams to oversee component assembly
• Author test plans, design specialized test fixtures, and actively lead hardware verification campaigns, including vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum and/or altitude testing.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of proven experience in aerospace mechanical design
• Direct experience with aerospace and/or spacecraft hardware design, including familiarity with current aerospace design practices and hardware standards.
• Mastery of CAD tools (preferably with Siemens NX)
• Proficiency with FEA tools (such as ANSYS or Nastran)
• Expert knowledge of ANSI Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrates strong initiative, self-motivation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving without requiring constant direction.
• Ability to lift and/or move 50 pounds.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary Rate Range: $135K-$190K
• Location: Washington, DC.
• Required US Citizen and Active Secret clearance required with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.