Mechanical Designer

Overview:

We are currently hiring experienced Mechanical Designers, Drafters, and Checkers to support the United States Marine Corps Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program. For this program, our client has developed the Cottonmouth ARV, a recon vehicle to be feared and a force-multiplier armed to the fangs with advanced full-spectrum reconnaissance and surveillance sensors. It's expertly designed to defeat threats beyond line of sight and comes complete with cutting-edge technologies that will keep adversaries up at night. Cottonmouth was developed using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that is Ground Vehicle Operating System (GVOS) based employing the Tactical Assault Kit Extended (TAK-X) framework for easy capability integration. This modern vehicle platform has superior mobility capabilities to tackle treacherous off-road terrain and waterways while keeping Marines safe thanks to its advanced survivability suite and Human System Interface (HSI) focus. Amphibious mobility, unrivaled versatility, and electronic warfare capabilities define a vehicle that is adaptable, stealthy and thrives wherever enemies hide. Our teams are engaged in multiple cutting-edge development programs for defense applications.

Responsibilities:

• Detailed Drafting & Modeling: Translate conceptual and preliminary designs from engineering staff into fully detailed, manufacturable 3D models and 2D drawing packages.
• TDP Generation: Prepare comprehensive Technical Data Package (TDP) drawings, up to Level 3 production, in strict accordance with MIL-STD-31000 and internal company standards.
• Drawing Checking & Review: Act as a checking authority to perform rigorous reviews of drawings, models, and parts lists generated by other staff and engineers. Ensure accuracy, completeness, proper fit/function, and manufacturability before release.
• Low-Level Engineering: Act as a critical support function to the engineering staff by executing fundamental engineering and design tasks for mechanical structures, brackets, enclosures, and vehicle subsystems.
• Tolerance Analysis: Apply and verify proper Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and perform tolerance stack-up analyses on complex assemblies.
• Configuration Management: Manage the release and revision of engineering documentation through the Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.
• Cross-Functional Support: Participate in design reviews, working closely with Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems engineers, as well as manufacturing and shop floor personnel to resolve fabrication issues.

Qualifications:

• Drafting & CAD Proficiency: Advanced, proven proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting tools. SolidWorks and AutoCAD are required.
• Standards Expertise: Expert-level understanding of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and ASME Y14.100 drawing practices.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Solid understanding of fabrication methods, including machining, sheet metal forming, welding, and assembly processes to ensure designs are practically manufacturable.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback during the drawing checking process.
• Software Skills: Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Visio).
• Environment: Desire and ability to operate collaboratively in a team environment, with the temperament to work in the lab, on the shop floor, or in the office.
• Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Slidell, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Slidell,LA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.