Mechanical Design Engineer

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves applying fundamental design principles, generating actuator designs, solving complex design challenges, and contributing to solid rocket motor systems. You will be responsible for analyzing performance, incorporating advanced control systems, and developing hot gas valves and thrusters. Your expertise will be crucial in performing trade challenges, analyzing alternatives, and providing design recommendations.

• Apply fundamental design principles to generate basic actuator designs.
• Solve complex design challenges and analyze igniter performance.
• Perform stress analysis and develop pressure vessel designs.
• Contribute to solid rocket motor systems and analyze their performance.
• Incorporate advanced control systems and develop hot gas valves and thrusters.
• Perform trade challenges, analyze alternatives, and provide design recommendations.
• Create intricate 2D or 3D designs and optimize productivity through CAD commands and tools.
• Produce precise technical drawings and interpret complex GD&T symbols.
• Perform basic simulations using CFD software, interpret results, and apply engineering judgment.
• Carry out complex structural analysis tasks, dynamic analysis models, and thermal analysis.
• Analyze geometric features, datum reference frames, and functional tolerancing.
• Evaluate material properties, including ceramics, rubbers, and refractory metals.
• Understand basic design specifications for additive manufacturing and perform complex mechanical assembly tasks.
• Handle complex communication scenarios, technical presentations, and writing tasks.
• Create detailed technical reports and user manuals.
• Understand propellant chemistry and combustion mechanisms related to solid propellants.
• Contribute to systems engineering tasks, including mass calculations and risk management.

• Four (4) to seven (7) years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or relevant discipline from an accredited university (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.
• Capability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (requires U.S. Citizenship).

• Rocket motor design and testing experience.
• Master of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or relevant discipline from an accredited university (or equivalent experience).
• Current DoD Top Secret SCI Security Clearance.
• Proficiency in Solidworks, MATLAB, and ANSYS.
• Skills in design of experiments (DOE), performance analysis, and propulsion physics.
• Experience in subsystem and component integration, data acquisition, and data cleaning.

Join an innovative defense, national security, and space technology company committed to delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. Operate like a small company where you can wear multiple hats and grow with the organization. Collaborate in a dynamic environment that encourages professional development and hands-on involvement with various projects, ensuring no one is boxed into a single task.

This is a Contract position based out of Reno, NV.

The pay range for this position is $51.92 - $74.51/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $52 - $75