2027 Associate H/W Mechanical Engineer - Annapolis MD with Security Clearance
The Associate Hardware Mechanical Engineer at Confidential Client supports the development, testing, and sustainment of advanced subsea systems including unmanned underwater vehicles and sonar technologies. This entry-level role involves concept development, design, analysis, and integration within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver mission-critical hardware solutions. The position requires strong mechanical engineering skills, collaboration, and the ability to obtain necessary security clearances to contribute to national security projects.
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, Engineering — Naval & Oceanic Systems.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking entry-level and early-career H/W Mechanical Engineers to join their Naval & Oceanic Systems team supporting subsea and undersea systems engineering. This position offers hands-on exposure to uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sensors, platform integration, and test & sustainment activities. The role is based in Annapolis, MD with telecommute flexibility depending on program needs.
What You’ll Do
You will work on multi-disciplined teams to support the concept, design, analysis, integration, and test of undersea hardware. Assignments vary by program and phase; typical responsibilities include:
- Support concept development, technical planning, design development, analysis, and integration & testing of undersea mechanical hardware.
- Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and GD&T practices to create producible hardware.
- Develop engineering processes, procedures, and documentation for small to medium production quantities.
- Collaborate across disciplines to prioritize tasks and develop engineering solutions that meet project requirements.
- Participate in lab and field testing, troubleshooting, and design iterations.
- Communicate findings and designs clearly in written reports and team meetings.
Minimum Qualifications
Basic qualifications for entry-level Associate H/W Mechanical Engineer:
- Bachelor’s degree (completed or near completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and any program-specific access.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.
Basic qualifications for H/W Mechanical Engineer (Master’s level):
- Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and any program-specific access.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher.
- Active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance (preferred).
- Proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
- Proficiency in GD&T and design for manufacturing.
- Familiarity with undersea engineering topics: UUVs, ROVs, sonar systems, acoustic communications, pressure vessels, and environmental corrosion.
- Active TS/SCI with polygraph (highly preferred for some programs).
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Range (Associate Mechanical Engineer): $66,200 - $99,200 per year.
- Pay Range (Mechanical Engineer): $79,600 - $119,400 per year.
- These ranges are provided as a guideline; actual offers consider experience, education, skills, and market conditions.
- Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, health insurance, life/disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.
- Additional professional development and early-career training opportunities.
Location & Work Type
- Location: Annapolis, MD (primary work location).
- JobLocationType: TELECOMMUTE — telecommute/remote work may be allowed depending on program requirements.
- Travel: Approximately 10% as required by program assignments.
Hiring & Legal Notes
- U.S. citizenship is required for roles that require a government security clearance.
- Relocation assistance may be available depending on program needs.
- Confidential Client is committed to a safe, inclusive work environment and will follow all applicable federal, state, and local hiring laws (Maryland) in the hiring process.
- Applicants will not be asked to provide payment during the application or hiring process.
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.
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