About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a defense technology company.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

Role Overview

Confidential Client is seeking Early Career Mechanical Engineers to join a hands‑on engineering team working on advanced defense platforms. This is an entry‑level/full‑time engineering role focused on prototype design, testing, and transitioning hardware into production. Candidates should be excited by rapid iteration, experimentation, and learning on real-world systems.

---

What You’ll Do

• Design and build prototypes; analyze failures and iterate to production-ready designs
• Present design reviews and run engineering analyses
• Develop and execute hardware test plans; support test execution at vendor or test sites
• Create high-quality CAD models and engineering drawings that meet industry standards
• Apply first‑principles physics to solve mechanical design challenges
• Gain exposure to system integration and testing activities (including missile integration/testing where applicable)
• Travel to vendors and test ranges as required

---

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 3 months to 2 years of technical experience (including internships); able to start full time in 2027
• Demonstrated hands‑on fabrication or laboratory skills (machining, assembly, test setup)
• CAD proficiency (any platform) and ability to produce high‑quality engineering drawings
• Strong command of engineering first principles and mechanical analysis
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access to export‑controlled information or facilities; U.S. clearance eligibility may be required depending on program

---

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating electrical components (motors, controllers, sensors) into mechanical designs
• Familiarity with machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and/or 3D printing processes
• Bias for action — you see problems and drive solutions to completion
• Curiosity about tools, processes, and how things work
• Low‑ego, high ownership, mission oriented

---

Location & Logistics

• Location: Reston, VA (on‑site or as required by program/testing schedules)
• Start window: Applications will be reviewed beginning August 2026 for positions starting in 2027 — early applications are encouraged
• Travel: Periodic travel to vendor facilities and test sites is expected

---

Compensation & Benefits

• US Salary Range (base): $86,000 - $114,000 USD
• Actual offer will depend on experience, education, and business considerations; equity awards and a competitive benefits package are typical for full‑time hires

---

Recruitment Integrity & Data Privacy

Confidential Client and Careertakes are committed to a secure, transparent hiring process. Legitimate recruiters will not request payment from candidates. Be cautious with unsolicited offers and verify sender domains before sharing personal information. If you suspect fraudulent outreach, contact Careertakes support through the platform.

---

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.