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.

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Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer I (Mechanisms) to join a space-mechanisms team in El Segundo, CA. This hands-on role focuses on opto-mechanical and mechanisms design, assembly support, integration and test for EO/IR space hardware. The role requires working in a lab environment with CAD (Creo), cross-functional engineering teams, and technicians to deliver precise mechanical hardware.

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What You’ll Do

• Create and revise opto-mechanical and mechanisms designs and detailed drawings using Creo
• Generate assembly instructions and provide hands-on build support with technicians
• Design for producibility and manufacturability (DFx), and apply GD&T on drawings
• Conduct tribology and kinematics research to inform mechanism design choices
• Work with material selection, thermal management, precision mounts, motion systems, and structural optimization while meeting schedule constraints
• Participate in design reviews and present technical work to peers and leads
• Manage changes using a product data management tool (create/rework engineering changes)
• Collaborate with manufacturing, test, and cross-discipline engineering teams

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Qualifications — You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field by start date
• Experience using CAD software; hands-on experience with Creo preferred
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing mechanical hardware (projects, coursework, internships, or on-the-job)
• Authorization to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required
• Ability to work primarily onsite in El Segundo, CA

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Preferred Qualifications

• Project experience in mechanisms design, analysis, or build (space mechanisms a plus)
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis
• Knowledge of DFMA principles and modern machining techniques
• Familiarity with motors, position feedback sensors, bearings, and gears
• Prior experience in aerospace or defense programs
• Experience with change management in a product data management system
• Experience leading small design or build projects

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Compensation & Location

• Salary range: USD 62,900 — USD 119,700 per year (good-faith estimate for the role; actual offer considers experience, location, and skills)
• Location: El Segundo, CA — this is an onsite role
• Security: TS/SCI with Polygraph required; active clearance expected/required per program

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What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on space and defense mechanisms with experienced engineers
• Exposure to opto-mechanical design, lab integration, and system-level hardware testing
• Relocation eligibility (where applicable) and standard benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, etc.) dependent on business unit
• A collaborative culture emphasizing trust, respect, accountability, and innovation

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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.