Mechanical Engineer
The Mechanical Engineer role at Confidential Client involves supporting the design, development, fabrication, and testing of advanced mechanical and electromechanical hardware for directed energy systems in a research and development setting. The position offers hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling, prototype development, and laboratory testing, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to advance next-generation technologies in defense applications.
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
This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer role supporting research, design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware and electromechanical systems in a multidisciplinary R&D environment. You will work on experimental systems including pulsed-power, high-voltage, RF and high-power microwave (HPM) hardware, partnering with engineers, technicians, and fabricators to turn designs into working prototypes.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Support design and development of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components and assemblies for experimental hardware and systems.
- Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools.
- Assist in material selection, dimensional tolerances, mechanical interfaces, and design-for-manufacturability.
- Perform basic engineering calculations and evaluations (structural, thermal, mechanical) to support design decisions.
- Support fabrication, assembly, integration, and laboratory testing of prototype hardware.
- Collaborate with machinists, fabricators, and technicians to resolve manufacturing and assembly challenges.
- Assist with experimental setup, troubleshooting, data collection, and test performance evaluations.
- Prepare and maintain engineering documentation: drawings, test procedures, technical reports, and design revisions.
- Participate in design reviews and follow established engineering procedures, safety practices, and quality requirements.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electromechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with less than 2 years of relevant experience.
- Foundational understanding of engineering design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or equivalent).
- Ability to create or interpret basic engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
- Basic engineering analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Interest in hands-on hardware development, fabrication, assembly, and laboratory testing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SolidWorks (3D part modeling, assemblies, engineering drawings).
- Familiarity with PDM systems (e.g., SolidWorks PDM) and revision control of CAD files.
- Knowledge of GD&T, material selection, and design for manufacturability.
- Hands-on experience with machining, welding, additive manufacturing, or sheet metal fabrication.
- Exposure to basic structural/thermal analysis or simulation tools.
- Experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DAQ, LabVIEW).
- Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
- Prior internships, capstone projects, or research experience in aerospace, defense, or lab environments.
- Interest or exposure to pulsed-power, high-voltage systems, RF, or electromagnetics is a plus.
Location & Clearance
This position supports work at Kirtland Air Force Base and client facilities in the Village of Los Ranchos, NM. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Pay & Benefits
Pay range: $57,850 — $104,575 per year (reported by the employer). Actual offer will depend on experience, skills, and other factors.
Typical benefits include competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, paid leave, retirement plans, and income protection programs. Benefits details will be provided by the hiring organization during the process.
Why This Role?
This is a hands-on opportunity for an early-career engineer to gain direct experience turning advanced R&D concepts into hardware. You’ll receive mentorship from experienced engineers while contributing to cutting-edge experimental systems and learning manufacturing and test processes in a team-oriented environment.
Commitment to Applicants
Careertakes and our client comply with applicable US employment laws. Applicants will be considered based on qualifications regardless of protected characteristics. The role requires U.S. work authorization and clearance eligibility as listed above.
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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