Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Requisition ID: 1910
Position Location: Sterling, VA
Position Reports To: Senior Director, Hardware Engineering
Supervises Others: No
Position SummaryThe Mechanical Engineer (level 2) supports the design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems. Working under the guidance of senior and principal mechanical engineers, this role contributes to the mechanical design of enclosures, card guides, brackets, thermal solutions, and related hardware for space, aerospace, and defense applications.
The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, is comfortable using 3D CAD tools, and is eager to learn how to design and qualify hardware for challenging environments. This role offers hands on experience throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and modeling through drawing release, build support, and environmental testing.
Duties and Responsibilities- Assist in the mechanical design and modeling of electronic assemblies, enclosures, and supporting hardware using 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
- Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction of more senior engineers.
- Perform basic structural and thermal analyses (hand calculations and introductory FEA) to support design decisions, with mentorship and review.
- Support the preparation and maintenance of engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
- Participate in design and peer reviews, incorporating feedback to improve design quality and documentation.
- Support prototype builds and integration activities, including coordinating with manufacturing, reviewing build issues, and implementing minor design changes.
- Assist with environmental and qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum), including fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
- Work closely with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements and integration constraints.
- Follow Trident's configuration management and PDM/PLM processes for release and change control of mechanical artifacts.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and suggesting incremental process or tool enhancements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET accredited program.
- 2+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
- Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred, or similar).
- Familiarity with fundamental mechanical engineering concepts such as statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, and basic structural/thermal analysis.
- Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings; exposure to GD&T concepts.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to take directions from senior engineers.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics packaging.
- Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing (vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock).
- Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management practices.
- Exposure to space or high reliability electronics packaging (e.g., conduction cooled assemblies, VPX or similar standards).
- Hands on experience with prototype hardware, lab testing, or shop tools.
Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $64,000 - $105,000
Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.
Benefits Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:
- Health benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic life with AD&D
- Short term disability
- Long term disability
- Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
- Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
- Paid time off
- Holidays
- 401(k) (including company match)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
- Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)
Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
