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-disciplinary collaboration. The position supports complex hardware projects including electromagnetic launch systems, satellite structures, high energy lasers, and advanced nuclear components in a hybrid work environment.
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 an Engineer II (Mechanical) to support multidisciplinary hardware design, analysis, integration, and test across defense, space, directed-energy, and nuclear product areas. You will work hands-on from concept through production and fielding under limited supervision.
- Design mechanical components, assemblies, and subsystems using 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Creo).
- Produce and review engineering drawings to ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and ASME Y14.100 practices.
- Perform tolerance stack-up and DFM/DFA to ensure manufacturability and fit.
- Conduct structural, thermal, vibration, and shock analyses with hand calculations and FEA (ANSYS, Femap/Nastran).
- Size and analyze thermal solutions (cold plates, heat exchangers, pumps, coolant loops) for high-heat-flux applications.
- Prepare test plans, procedures, fixtures; support assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) and qualification campaigns.
- Troubleshoot production and field hardware; perform root-cause and corrective actions.
- Support design reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR/TRR), generate technical documentation (ICDs, ECOs, specifications), and interface with cross-functional teams (systems, electrical, software, quality, manufacturing, supply chain).
- Ensure compliance with applicable standards (MIL-STD series, ASME codes, AS9100, ANSI/ESD S20.20) and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and typically 2+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience (Master’s may substitute for experience).
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo) and PDM/PLM tools.
- Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and engineering drawing practices per ASME Y14.100.
- Experience with structural and/or thermal analysis including hand calculations and FEA.
- Familiarity with common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, castings, composites).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work independently and on integrated teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance; active Secret clearance is highly desirable.
- U.S. Citizenship is required for this role.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with shipboard or military hardware (MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-167, MIL-STD-810).
- Spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or optical payload integration experience (cleanliness, contamination control, alignment, launch loads).
- Thermal/fluid analysis experience (ANSYS Icepak/Fluent, Thermal Desktop, FloEFD) or structural tools (ANSYS Mechanical, Femap/Nastran).
- Nuclear or pressure-vessel hardware design experience to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code.
- Hands-on assembly, integration, and test experience in lab or production environments.
- Familiarity with AS9100, configuration management, ESD-safe practices (ANSI/ESD S20.20), tolerance analysis tools, or model-based definition (MBD).
- EIT/FE certification or progress toward PE licensure.
Compensation & Location
- Pay range (California): $68,770 — $116,193 per year (base salary).
- Employment type: Full-Time.
- Workstyle: Hybrid (San Diego, CA). Authoritative job location: San Diego, CA.
- Travel: 0% – 25% as required by program needs.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain/maintain DoD clearance required; active Secret clearance highly desirable.
- Relocation assistance: Not provided.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to work in office, laboratory, production floor, and occasional field/shipboard environments.
- May require lifting up to 25 lbs, working near energized equipment and pressurized fluid systems, and using appropriate PPE.
- Vision (with or without correction) adequate for detailed design and inspection work.
Confidential Client Commitment
Confidential Client values diverse backgrounds and experiences. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged 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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