Mechanical Engineer - Onsite - Chatworth, CA

About the role

Join our team to do meaningful work and support high-impact government missions. Our work directly supports mission critical government agencies, including:

• Air Force
• Army
• Department of Defense (DoD)
• Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
• Department of Homeland Security
• NASA
• National Highway Institute (NHI) | Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• State & Local Governments

Responsibilities

• Perform the core technical duties of a Staff Engineer, including creating/revising 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoCAD and SolidWorks for aerospace pressure vessels, piping systems, tooling, and assemblies.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis per ASME Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII), ASME B31.3 Piping Code, and cycle life analysis (fatigue, fracture mechanics, fitness-for-service).
• Familiar with nondestructive inspection ASNT methods (Visual Examination, Liquid Penetrant Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Ultrasonic Testing); support Acoustic Emission Testing as needed.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, calculations, and presentations using the full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
• Utilize Microsoft Project to develop, maintain, and track project schedules, resource allocation, milestones, and critical paths for engineering and manufacturing initiatives.
• Manage and assign daily tasking for shop personnel, technicians, and staff engineers; provide direction, prioritize workloads, and ensure efficient execution of production, assembly, and testing activities.
• Lead project management activities, including scope definition, risk assessment, progress tracking, change control, and delivery of projects on time and within budget.
• Actively participate in procurement processes: identify suppliers, evaluate bids, support negotiations, coordinate material/tooling purchases, and ensure compliance with specifications and delivery timelines.
• Contribute to proposal development: review RFPs, prepare technical sections, cost estimates, schedules, and compliance matrices for new business opportunities and government/commercial contracts.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff engineers, technicians, and shop-level employees on design practices, code compliance, inspection techniques, manufacturing processes, and project execution best practices.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and production in the shop environment, including troubleshooting, fit checks, and use of basic hand tools.
• Travel up to 20% of the time for supplier audits, customer meetings, field support, installations, or training activities.
• Lead or participate in design reviews, engineering change orders, root-cause investigations, continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain full documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Work with West Coast Director to implement the Clean Room Facility upgrades

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution (required).
• Experience: Progressive engineering experience in aerospace, pressure systems, high-reliability manufacturing, or related fields, with demonstrated progression into leadership/project roles.
• Technical & Code Expertise: Strong expertise in ASME Pressure Vessel Code and Piping Code requirements; proven experience in cycle life analysis (fatigue, fracture mechanics); familiarity with common ASNT nondestructive testing methods; advanced proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Project (required for scheduling and project tracking).
• Certifications & Licenses (Preferred): Professional Engineer (PE) license registered in the State of California; API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspection) and API 570 (Piping Inspection) certifications.
• Leadership & Other Skills: Proven ability to manage and motivate technical and shop teams, assign tasks, and resolve conflicts; strong project management skills with experience delivering complex aerospace projects; experience supporting procurement and proposal efforts in a technical environment; excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Other: Must be available to travel approximately 20% of the time.