What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer - Point Mugu, CA position at F3EA Inc?
Job Summary
F3EA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, prototyping, integration, and testing of Blue Water Instrumentation (BWI) capabilities at the Point Mugu Sea Range.
This role is directly aligned with advancing Over-the-Horizon maritime instrumentation, telemetry relay systems, command-and-control experimentation, and range safety capabilities in support of Department of Defense test and evaluation missions.
The Mechanical Engineer will operate in a hands-on R&D environment, contributing to the rapid development and fielding of prototype systems across maritime, littoral, and expeditionary test environments. This position requires an engineer who is comfortable moving from concept to fielded prototype—designing, building, integrating, and iterating in real-world conditions.
This position is not a traditional production engineering role. It is focused on rapid R&D, experimentation, and field integration, where speed, adaptability, and hands-on execution are critical to mission success.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and prototype mechanical systems and structures supporting maritime instrumentation and test range capabilities
- Support rapid prototyping efforts, including fabrication, assembly, and modification of developmental systems
- Develop mechanical solutions for sensor integration, payload mounting, enclosures, thermal management, and environmental protection
- Conduct mechanical analysis (stress, vibration, thermal, corrosion) to ensure system performance in maritime and harsh environments
- Support integration of mechanical components with electrical, RF, and software systems within multi-disciplinary prototypes
- Assist in testbed outfitting, including installation and integration of prototype systems on platforms, fixtures, and range infrastructure
- Participate in field testing and experimentation, including setup, execution, troubleshooting, and teardown of test events
- Develop and maintain technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering documentation
- Support installation, integration, and checkout (I&I) of developmental articles in laboratory and field environments
- Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues during test events and prototyping cycles
- Collaborate with systems engineers and program leadership on requirements development, design trade-offs, and system integration strategies
- Ensure compliance with safety, range, and environmental requirements, particularly in maritime operating environments
- Support logistics and property accountability efforts as required for prototype systems and equipment
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
Required Qualifications and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- 5 years’ experience in mechanical design, prototyping, and system integration
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, or similar)
- Experience working in laboratory, test, or field environments
- Ability to support hands-on fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting
- Understanding of mechanical systems exposed to maritime or outdoor environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a rapid, iterative development environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (Secret or higher)
Preferred Qualifications and Education
- Experience supporting DoD test ranges, RDT&E programs, or warfare centers
- Background in maritime systems, unmanned systems, or instrumentation platforms
- Experience with environmental hardening (corrosion, sealing, shock/vibration)
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing, machining, or fabrication processes
- Experience supporting prototype development from concept through field demonstration
- Knowledge of telemetry systems, sensor integration, or payload design
- Experience supporting test and evaluation (T&E) events
- Prior military or defense contractor experience
Work authorization/security clearance requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Combination of laboratory, office, and outdoor maritime test environments
- Regular interaction with range operations, test personnel, and government stakeholders
- Occasional travel may be required in support of test events
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
F3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.