Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer — Los Angeles

About Pegasus Industries

Pegasus Industries is a critical materials company serving defense contractors and subcontractors. We help ensure that the essential material inputs needed to build critical systems are produced and delivered on time, supporting reliable supply and keeping manufacturing schedules on track.

About the Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer based in Los Angeles to design, develop, and improve equipment and mechanical systems used in materials processing and manufacturing.

You will work directly with our executive team, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to translate process requirements into practical equipment, build and test prototypes, and support the transition to reliable production.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience, practical problem-solving skills, and ownership from design through installation and operation.

Responsibilities

• Translate process and production requirements into mechanical designs and equipment specifications.
• Design components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and material-handling systems.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and assembly documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses to evaluate structural integrity, thermal performance, fluid flow, and mechanical reliability.
• Select materials, components, and fabrication methods appropriate to operating conditions.
• Work with machine shops, fabricators, and equipment suppliers to manufacture and assemble designs.
• Build and test prototypes, investigate failures, and improve designs based on results.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning.
• Improve equipment performance, manufacturability, safety, and serviceability.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and manage design revisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Relevant experience designing and building mechanical equipment or manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency in a 3D CAD platform such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or Fusion.
• Strong understanding of mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience producing engineering drawings with appropriate tolerances and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage projects from initial requirements through fabrication and validation.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with an international team.
• Based in the Los Angeles area, with availability for visits to suppliers, fabrication shops, and operating facilities.

Required Technical Skills

• Mechanical design: Develop practical components and assemblies that meet functional and operating requirements.
• Engineering analysis: Use calculations and simulation tools to assess loads, stresses, temperatures, and performance.
• Design for manufacturing: Design for machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and maintenance.
• Prototyping and testing: Build prototypes, define test procedures, and use results to improve designs.
• Equipment troubleshooting: Identify root causes of mechanical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Technical documentation: Produce clear drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and operating procedures.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with equipment used in critical materials, metallurgy, chemical processing, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with furnaces, vacuum systems, pressure systems, pumps, piping, or powder-handling equipment.
• Experience designing equipment for high-temperature, corrosive, or abrasive environments.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and industrial controls.
• Experience supporting pilot plants, production equipment, or facility commissioning.
• Familiarity with applicable equipment safety standards and engineering codes.
• Experience working in a startup or taking equipment from concept into production.