Engineer II
The Mechanical Engineer II at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing mechanical and electromechanical systems across defense, space, laser, and nuclear technology domains. This role involves hands-on development from concept through production, requiring expertise in CAD design, structural and thermal analysis, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver advanced hardware solutions in a fast-paced environment. The position supports prototype and production testing, documentation, and compliance with rigorous industry standards, contributing to cutting-edge defense and energy 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.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to design, analyze, integrate, and test mechanical and electromechanical systems in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment. You will support products across defense, space, directed-energy, and advanced nuclear technology programs from concept through production and fielding.
- Design components, assemblies, and subsystems (structures, enclosures, mechanisms, fluid/thermal hardware) using 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo).
- Create and review engineering drawings to ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and ASME Y14.100 standards.
- Perform tolerance stack-ups, select materials/finishes/fasteners, and support DFM/DFA with manufacturing partners.
- Conduct structural and thermal evaluations using hand calculations and FEA tools (ANSYS, Femap/Nastran).
- Size and analyze liquid- and conduction-cooled thermal hardware (cold plates, pumps, heat exchangers).
- Prepare formal analysis reports and present results at design reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR/TRR).
- Support assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) — develop test plans, run qualification tests, and troubleshoot hardware.
- Coordinate with electrical, systems, software, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Maintain configuration documentation (ICDs, ECOs, specs) and adhere to quality/ESD requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, plus 2+ years progressive mechanical engineering experience — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo) and PDM/PLM workflows.
- Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100 drawing practices.
- Experience with structural and/or thermal analysis (hand calculations and FEA).
- Familiarity with common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, composites) and their effect on design.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document and present technical work.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance; active Secret clearance is highly desirable.
- U.S. citizenship is required for certain positions.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
- Domain experience in one or more: shipboard/military hardware design, spacecraft structures/mechanisms, high-power liquid thermal management, or pressure/nuclear hardware to ASME B&PV Code.
- Experience with thermal CFD/thermal tools (ANSYS Icepak/Fluent, Thermal Desktop, FloEFD) or structural tools (ANSYS Mechanical, Femap/Nastran).
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-167, GEVS/SMC-S-016, and environmental qualification programs.
- Hands-on AI&T experience in lab or production environments.
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, ANSI/ESD S20.20, tolerance analysis tools, and model-based definition (MBD).
- EIT/FE certification or progress toward PE licensure.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Work occurs in office, laboratory, production, and occasional field/shipboard settings.
- May require lifting up to 25 lbs, close visual inspection, and working around energized or pressurized systems with appropriate PPE.
- Travel: up to 0%–25% as required by program needs.
Compensation & Additional Details
- Employment type: Full-Time, Hybrid workstyle.
- Salary range (provided): $69,500 — $116,375 per year.
- Relocation assistance: Not provided.
- Clearance: Desired (Secret).
- US Citizenship: Required for certain roles.
We value diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants from all qualified groups to apply.
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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