Mechanical Product Engineer II

Job Title: Mechanical Product Engineer II

Job Description

The Mechanical Product Engineer II designs and develops advanced protective and structural technologies for ground vehicles, aircraft, and infrastructure security applications. This role focuses on creating detailed product design concepts and drawings, supporting research and development programs, and driving products from concept through testing and integration. The engineer contributes to the development of armor systems, blast attenuating seats, and related technologies, while also supporting procurement, build, and test activities. The position requires strong proficiency in SolidWorks, expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and the ability to produce clear technical documentation for design reviews, requirements tracking, and trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and detail new mechanical technologies and products using SolidWorks, with a focus on armor systems, blast attenuating seats, and related protective technologies.
• Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings that comply with GD&T and applicable drawing and tolerance standards.
• Develop technical documents such as design review packages, trade studies, test plans, test reports, and requirements tracking documentation.
• Assist with procurement activities for developmental products, including specifying components, materials, and fabrication requirements.
• Support the build and integration of prototype and developmental products, working closely with manufacturing and test teams.
• Participate in and support various testing activities, which may include functional testing, ballistic testing, blast testing, and drop tower testing.
• Maintain and update legacy production products by implementing design improvements, resolving issues, and ensuring continued manufacturability.
• Contribute to bid and proposal efforts by providing technical input, preliminary designs, estimates, and supporting documentation.
• Apply design for manufacturability principles to ensure that new and existing products can be efficiently and reliably produced.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, testing, and engineering to ensure that designs meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Manage assigned design tasks and small projects, organizing work, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress to stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a higher-level mechanical engineering degree.
• Approximately 3-10 years of experience in mechanical product development, including taking products from concept through testing and integration.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks as a daily design tool, with the ability to create complex models, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Expert-level understanding and daily use of GD&T and relevant drawing and tolerance standards (such as ASME Y14.5 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply drawing and tolerance standards to ensure fit, form, and function of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Strong understanding of materials and their application in mechanical design, including considerations for strength, durability, and manufacturability.
• Proven skills in design for manufacturability, ensuring designs are practical and efficient to produce.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and follow through on commitments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze mechanical issues and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Solid organizational skills, including the ability to manage design files, documentation, and project tasks in a structured manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a higher-level mechanical engineering degree is preferred.
• Certification as a SolidWorks Professional is highly desirable.
• Experience with product development for defense-related applications, including ground combat, marine, or aircraft platforms, is a strong plus.
• Over three years of experience working with composite materials in mechanical design and product development is preferred.
• Experience supporting research and development programs, including concept development, prototyping, and testing.
• Familiarity with armor systems, blast mitigation technologies, or other protective structures is beneficial.
• Experience contributing to bid and proposal efforts, including preparing technical inputs and estimates, is a plus.
• Ability to communicate clearly in written technical documents, including test plans, reports, and design review materials.
• Comfort working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes mechanical design, manufacturing, and test engineering.

Work Environment

The role operates in an environment where manufacturing, design, and testing activities are performed at the same location, enabling close collaboration between engineering, production, and test teams. The engineer works primarily in an office and design setting using SolidWorks and related engineering tools, with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor and in test areas. Test activities may involve exposure to functional, ballistic, blast, and drop tower testing environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols and use of appropriate protective equipment. The work schedule follows standard full-time hours, with occasional flexibility needed to support build or test milestones. The setting is hands-on, fast-paced, and focused on developing and validating high-performance mechanical products for demanding applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chandler, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.08 - $43.27/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 Chandler,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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 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.