Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Designer

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical CAD Designer with extensive SolidWorks experience to support the design and development of advanced defense electronics hardware. This role focuses on mechanical enclosures, chassis, and precision components required for systems in SATCOM, ISR, RADAR, and RF subsystems. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of mechanical design for ruggedized environments, balancing manufacturability, thermal management, and compliance with defense industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks for enclosures, housings, brackets, heat sinks, and other mechanical components supporting defense electronics.
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineers to ensure mechanical designs integrate seamlessly with circuit boards, connectors, cabling, and subsystem requirements.
• Apply thermal, structural, and environmental design considerations consistent with aerospace and defense industry needs (MIL-STD, DO-160, etc.).
• Generate design documentation, bills of materials (BOMs), and drawing packages to support manufacturing, procurement, and assembly.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses, GD&T application, and DFM/DFA reviews to optimize manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and provide design updates during product lifecycle phases.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements, including ruggedization, EMI/EMC shielding, and environmental survivability.
• Participate in design reviews and provide mechanical expertise to cross-functional project teams.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 10 years of professional SolidWorks experience in mechanical design, with proven expertise in enclosures, chassis, and precision components.
• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis, and documentation per ASME standards.
• Knowledge of materials selection for strength, thermal performance, and environmental durability.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD environmental/structural requirements and thermal management design practices.
• Experience collaborating with electrical and RF engineers on integrated electronic systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with RF shielding design and integration.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM tools (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, Windchill).
• Hands-on prototype or production support experience.

Work Environment

This position involves working in a dynamic environment that serves the Department of Defense (DoD) and Aerospace markets. The role requires collaboration across various disciplines, including Advanced Systems, RF Front Ends, Mixed Signal, and Digital Solutions. The work environment fosters innovation and teamwork, providing the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects in the defense and aerospace sectors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, Maryland.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Frederick, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2025.

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 contact actALENTaccommodation@actalentservices.com.