Mechanical Engineer I (Entry Level)
The Mechanical Engineer I at Confidential Client is an entry-level role focused on supporting the design, development, evaluation, and in-service engineering of the Navy's Aircraft Launch and Recovery system. The position involves working within a multi-disciplinary team in a rapid development environment, learning systems engineering fundamentals, and contributing to advanced technology capabilities including model based systems engineering and quality processes. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and offers mentorship from experienced engineers in a dynamic setting located in Southern Maryland.
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.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer (Mechanical Engineer I) to join an engineering team in Beachville, MD. This role works in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary product development environment supporting aircraft launch and recovery systems and related mechanical hardware. The position includes hands-on design, analysis, documentation, and testing tasks with mentorship from experienced engineers. This role may require occasional travel for installations, system verification/testing, and certification. There is no monetary relocation assistance budgeted for this position; applicants should reside in or be willing to relocate to Beachville / St. Mary’s County, Maryland, or surrounding areas.
What You’ll Do
- Work as part of a cross-functional engineering team to design, develop, and test mechanical hardware and subsystem solutions.
- Create and update engineering drawings and documentation following standards.
- Support hardware design using metals and plastics; prototype and iterate designs.
- Perform basic systems-engineering tasks and collaborate on model-based systems engineering and quality process initiatives.
- Support test, verification, and field installation activities; travel as required to support these efforts.
- Apply analytical thinking to troubleshoot problems and propose practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Participate in design reviews and work with suppliers and manufacturing to support producibility.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience (entry-level).
- Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD); SolidWorks experience is a plus.
- Ability to develop and interpret engineering drawings (ASME Y14.5 a plus).
- Practical understanding of hardware design with metals and plastics.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to stay focused on tasks.
- Good analytical skills — able to analyze problems and develop creative solutions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Team player with a proactive attitude; comfortable in dynamic/collaborative work settings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with MATLAB and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
- Experience with RF hardware concepts (waveguides, couplers, antennas) and RF lab instruments (spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
- Knowledge of mechanical fabrication processes and test methods.
- Experience with shock, vibration, dynamic motion, or thermal analysis and modeling.
- Exposure to Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments and Python scripting.
- Any hands-on lab or field test experience supporting system integration or certification.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time salary range: $64,926 – $110,374 per year (range provided by the employer and may vary based on experience, skills, and location).
- Typical benefits may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) savings plan, disability and life insurance, paid time off, parental and other leave, and employee assistance programs. Specific benefits and eligibility will be provided by the hiring organization upon interview/offer.
Additional Details & Compliance
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Location: Beachville, MD — on-site role with possible travel.
- No employer-provided relocation assistance is budgeted; applicants should be willing to relocate at their own expense if not locally based.
- Confidential Client is committed to workplace safety and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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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