Associate Mechanical Engineer/Mechanical Engineer
The Associate Mechanical Engineer/Mechanical Engineer at Confidential Client's Tactical Space System Division in Gilbert, AZ, is responsible for designing, analyzing, integrating, and delivering Mechanical Ground Support Equipment to support satellite manufacturing operations. This role requires proficiency in CAD tools, mechanical design principles including GD&T, and collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure reliable and manufacturable ground support solutions for space systems.
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.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
The confidential client is hiring an Associate Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer to support Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) used in satellite manufacturing and test operations. This is an on-site role in Higley, AZ (1st shift: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, flexible). The position requires collaboration with MGSE engineering leads, integration and test managers, cross-discipline engineers, and suppliers to design, analyze, integrate, and deliver ground support hardware that enables satellite manufacturing and test.
What You’ll Do
- Perform detailed mechanical design using 3D CAD and document assemblies, parts, and drawings.
- Support CAD configuration management and maintain engineering records in PDM/PLM systems.
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to parts and assemblies.
- Perform basic stress calculations and layout of spacecraft-related components.
- Design for manufacturing (DfM) across machined metal, sheet metal, welded fixtures, and additive components.
- Coordinate with suppliers for part fabrication and assembly; support inspections and acceptance.
- Support integration and test activities for MGSE, including fixture validation and test procedures.
- Communicate technical solutions to program management, cross-discipline engineers, and vendors.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate Mechanical Engineer
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience with SolidWorks (3D CAD).
- Experience with CAD configuration management.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Mechanical Engineer
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent STEM field.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree (or entry with advanced degree as described by client).
- Experience with SolidWorks (3D CAD).
- Experience with CAD configuration management.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Preferred Qualifications
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher (preferred for early-career candidates).
- Relevant internships, senior design, or club project experience in mechanical design/build/test.
- Experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill (or equivalent PDM/PLM tools).
- Experience with MATLAB / Simulink.
- Prior experience working with suppliers and supplier coordination.
- Hands-on experience designing machined steel/aluminum parts, sheet metal, welded fixtures, and additive manufacturing/composite components.
Skills & Tools
- SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD
- CAD configuration management / PDM/PLM (Windchill, etc.)
- GD&T application
- Design for Manufacturing (DfM)
- 3D printing / additive manufacturing
- Stress calculations and mechanics of metallic/composite materials
- MATLAB / Simulink (preferred)
- Supplier coordination and technical communication
Compensation & Benefits
- Primary Level Salary Range (Associate Level): $59,900 — $89,900 per year.
- Secondary Level Salary Range (Mechanical Engineer): $72,100 — $108,100 per year.
The ranges above represent general guidelines. Actual base pay offers consider role scope, candidate experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Depending on position and role, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and other incentive programs. Typical benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement/savings plans, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). Specific benefits and eligibility are determined by the confidential client.
Workplace & Additional Information
- Location: Higley, AZ — on-site.
- Relocation assistance: None (as stated by the confidential client).
- Travel: Approximately 10% (program-dependent).
- Schedule: 1st shift (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM), flexible.
- Security: Certain roles require U.S. citizenship to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
- Reasonable accommodations: The confidential client will consider reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring an accommodation should notify the recruiter or hiring contact.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range