Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

This Mechanical Design Engineer role is part of an engineering team based in Lexington, KY that focuses on modifying existing hardware and integrating redesigned components into a variety of platforms in accordance with customer specifications. You will develop component and system designs driven by customer requirements and interface control documents, ensuring compliance with applicable military specifications and industry standards such as SAE and ANSI, as well as related design and drafting standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical component and system designs based on customer requirements and interface control documents.
• Modify existing hardware and integrate redesigned components into various platforms in line with customer specifications.
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable military specifications, SAE, ANSI, and other relevant design and drafting standards.
• Create and refine 3D models using Catia V5 to accurately represent structures, brackets, mounts, and other mechanical components.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams to develop integrated technical solutions.
• Support engineering release processes by preparing and maintaining accurate design documentation and drawings.
• Provide technical support to in-house fabrication teams during manufacturing of designed components.
• Absorb assistance installation and integration teams on the shop floor to resolve design-related issues and ensure proper fit and function of components.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback to improve product quality and maintain compliance with specifications.
• Contribute to modifications of military aircraft and vehicle platforms that support special operations programs.
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on design intent, requirements, and implementation details.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with responsibility for component and system design.
• 4+ years of experience creating and working with 3D models in a professional engineering environment.
• Proficiency with Catia V5 for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles for structures, brackets, mounts, and related hardware.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional electrical and mechanical engineering teams.
• Capability to support manufacturing, installation, and integration activities by interpreting and explaining design intent.
• Solid engineering documentation skills, including preparation of drawings and release packages.

Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical design of structures, brackets, and mounts is a plus.
• 4+ years of experience with engineering release processes is a plus.
• Experience with modifications to aircraft or vehicle platforms is beneficial.
• Familiarity with logistics and sustainment environments supporting long-term defense programs is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and coordinate tasks across on-site and remote settings.

Skills

• Experience with modifications to aircraft or vehicle platforms is beneficial.
• Familiarity with logistics and sustainment environments supporting long-term defense programs is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and coordinate tasks across on-site and remote settings.

Benefits

• 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)

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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:

Work Environment

This role is based in Lexington, KY and follows a hybrid work schedule, typically three days on-site and two days remote each week. You will work in an engineering environment that supports special operations programs and modifications to military aircraft and vehicle platforms within long-term defense initiatives, providing a stable and mission-focused setting. On-site work involves close interaction with fabrication, installation, and integration teams, as well as access to engineering tools and equipment required for mechanical design and 3D modeling in Catia V5. The environment is collaborative and project-driven, with a strong emphasis on adherence to military and industry standards and on supporting active operational platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. 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.