Development Engineer

Job Title: Development Engineer

Job Description

This Development Engineer role supports the design, development, qualification, and production of advanced battery products used in critical defense systems. You will contribute to multiple development programs and help bring new products from concept through qualification and pilot production. Approximately 70% of your time will focus on design, analysis, testing, and documentation, while the remaining 30% will involve close collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Program teams. This is an opportunity to work on highly specialized battery technology in a smaller, collaborative environment where your contributions have visible impact and connect to meaningful national security programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development into parts, materials, and assembly techniques for advanced battery products.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and technicians to execute and deliver existing and new products.
• Lead all development phases including design, prototyping, validation, and pilot production.
• Prepare and present internal and customer-facing preliminary and critical design reviews.
• Plan, develop, and execute Design of Experiment (DOE) for fabrication and testing of batteries.
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams to determine battery design and mechanical characteristics.
• Develop processes and tooling for pilot-scale manufacturing of battery products.
• Coordinate and execute product development trials and pilot production runs.
• Summarize and present trial and test results, including conclusions and recommendations for design or process improvements.
• Develop assembly and process specifications, along with other required engineering documents.
• Perform root cause analysis to identify and resolve technical issues in product design or manufacturing processes.
• Analyze data, generate reports, and maintain clear documentation of development activities and outcomes.
• Manage time effectively to handle multiple tasks and projects in parallel.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Program teams to ensure successful product development and transfer to production.
• Perform other engineering duties as assigned to support program and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in research and development or product development.
• Proficiency in solving engineering problems through analysis, computational modeling, and building/testing prototypes.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, including the ability to interpret test results and present findings clearly.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to multitask and work on several development programs concurrently.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners.
• Self-motivated and hands-on approach to engineering and problem-solving.
• High level of attention to detail in design, documentation, and testing.
• Understanding of Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and related documentation expectations.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience conducting research and development into parts, materials, and assembly techniques.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related science or engineering discipline.
• Experience with battery design, energy storage, power sources, or electrochemistry is a plus.
• Experience planning and executing Design of Experiment (DOE) for fabrication and testing is highly beneficial.
• Background in developing processes and tooling for pilot-scale manufacturing is advantageous.
• Familiarity with advanced battery technologies and their application in defense or mission-critical systems is desirable.
• Comfort presenting technical information in internal and customer-facing design reviews.
• Interest in working in a smaller, entrepreneurial engineering environment with visible impact on products and programs.

Work Environment

The role combines both desk-based engineering work and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams. Approximately 70% of the time is spent at a desk performing design work, data analysis, testing documentation, and reporting. The remaining 30% involves working directly with programs, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to support development, validation, and pilot production activities. The environment offers exposure to product development, manufacturing, and advanced engineering for specialized battery technology used in missiles, rockets, torpedoes, and other mission-critical defense applications. Team members work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial setting within a smaller company structure, benefiting from the resources of a larger global organization while enjoying a more manageable commute and cost of living than major metropolitan areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westminster, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Comprehensive health benefits Flexible work schedules Small-company environment with global backing Westminster location with shorter commutes and lower living costs than larger metro areas

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Westminster,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.