Mechanical Engineering Specialist

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer

Location: Sterling, Virginia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule — 80 hours over nine working days, with every other Friday off

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and qualify precision mechanisms and electromechanical hardware for mission-critical systems.

The selected engineer will own major mechanical components and subsystems from early concepts through prototype development, integration, testing, and qualification. This role involves hands-on engineering in laboratory and hardware-test environments, with a focus on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and optimization of size, weight, and power.

The engineer will collaborate with manufacturing, quality, configuration management, suppliers, technicians, and program test teams to transition designs into production.

This is an on-site position in Sterling, Virginia , requiring direct involvement in laboratory work, prototype integration, and hardware testing.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design and Development

• Lead mechanical design, engineering analysis, prototype integration, and qualification testing for precision mechanisms and electromechanical hardware.
• Develop 3D models, engineering drawings, technical data packages, and assembly documentation.
• Evaluate material selections and design alternatives.
• Improve designs for performance, size, weight, power, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Design and develop mechanical components and subsystems for complex, high-consequence environments.

Testing, Integration, and Qualification

• Plan and execute component-level and system-level tests.
• Analyze test results and drive design improvements.
• Support prototype development, hardware integration, and qualification activities.
• Participate in field tests and demonstrations as needed.
• Support hands-on engineering activities in office and laboratory environments.

Technical Reviews and Documentation

• Present designs, engineering analyses, and test results during internal and customer reviews.
• Participate in peer reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).
• Develop and maintain accurate technical documentation and engineering drawings.
• Support design verification and qualification activities.

Manufacturing and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing, quality, configuration management, suppliers, technicians, and program test teams.
• Support the transition of designs from prototype development into production.
• Resolve design, manufacturing, integration, and testing issues.
• Coordinate technical activities with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Project and Process Leadership

• Manage complex engineering projects or processes with general oversight.
• Coordinate across functions to improve operational processes, practices, and procedures.
• Implement improvements to engineering systems and processes.
• Contribute to departmental goals and operating plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience; or
• Graduate degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience; or
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance and a current favorable polygraph before starting. Active clearance within the last two years will be considered, subject to verification.
• Ability to work on-site in Sterling, Virginia.
• Relevant mechanical engineering experience aligned with the design, development, integration, and testing responsibilities of the position