Overview
Mechanical Engineer/Specialist- Motors (DETO-2025-23685):
Bowhead seeks a mechanical specialist to provide services and support to NSWCDD in a part time on call capacity. The position is located onsite at Dahlgren, VA, in support of projects throughout E10 and E50 at NSWCDD. Duties include but are not limited to support for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), with a specialized focus on motors, actuators, and electromechanical systems used in complex naval platforms and test environments. This hybrid role bridges engineering and technician duties supporting the full lifecycle of mechanical systems, from design and fabrication through testing, integration, sustainment, and field support working closely with government and contractor engineers, scientists, and test teams on both developmental and fielded technologies.
Responsibilities
Interpret and develop designs, schematics, and 3D models using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
Translate engineering drawings into practical build strategies and provide feedback on fabrication feasibility
Design and modify mechanical components, test fixtures, and motor-driven mechanisms (e.g., linear actuators, gimbals, rotary stages)
Support rapid prototyping and custom hardware development
Evaluate mechanical stresses, thermal performance, and alignment tolerances for motor-driven assemblies
Support the selection and specification of motors (DC, stepper, servo) and motor controllers based on performance requirements
Machine, fabricate, and assemble components for systems and components, test fixtures, motor mounts, and drive interfaces using shop tools (e.g., lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, and forklifts)
Perform shaft alignment, bearing installation, mechanical fitting, and precision assembly in accordance with tolerances and specifications
Install and integrate motors, encoders, and control devices, ensuring proper alignment, coupling, and balance
Route and terminate wiring to motors and sensors, following electrical and safety standards
Conduct pre-operational checks and dynamic run-ups to validate system readiness
Develop and execute mechanical and electromechanical test plans (e.g., shock, vibration, thermal, load testing)
Install and calibrate sensors and data acquisition systems (e.g., strain gauges, accelerometers)
Use test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, DAQs, VFD interfaces) to verify system performance and function
Diagnose and resolve system performance issues (e.g., vibration, noise, overheating, feedback loss)
Calibrate motors and sensors to ensure precision motion control
Integrate mechanical and motorized assemblies into full-scale systems used in weapons testing, sensor tracking, or launch systems
Support system-level troubleshooting, repairs, and modifications during test phases
Provide on-site technical and engineering support during laboratory and field testing, including live-fire and environmental events
Collaborate with electrical, software, and controls engineers for complete system integration
Maintain technical documentation including motor specifications, wiring diagrams, calibration data, test logs, build records, and engineering drawings
Ensure configuration control of mechanical and motor components, firmware, and wiring in accordance with NSWCDD processes
Support quality reviews, design validations, and technical data package development
Adhere to MIL-STDs, NAVSEA regulations, and NSWCDD safety protocols in all design, fabrication, and testing activities
Conduct hazard analyses and participate in safety briefings and test readiness reviews
Ensure environmental and quality compliance through accurate documentation and procedural adherence
Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, technicians, and project leads to align mechanical work with system requirements
Participate in technical meetings, status reviews, and collaborative troubleshooting sessions
Guide technicians in motor and mechanical system installations, and provide informal mentorship on diagnostics and integration best practices
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Technology or a related field and a minimum of 4-6 years of directly relevant hands-on experience in mechanical systems design, fabrication, and testing; or High School Diploma or GED with at least 8-10 years of progressive experience in mechanical assembly, prototyping, motor integration, and system-level test support in a DoD, R&D, or industrial environment.
Five (5) years' experience in mechanical enclosures and structures, plumbing, diesel generators, hardware assembly and machining parts.
Demonstrated experience in setting up and conducting laboratory and field tests.
Ability to work independently and interface professionally with other government agencies, contractors, military personnel.
Ability to define task details, estimates, and schedules.
Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate output data and concepts simply and concisely for senior leaders.
Forklift certified.
Experience in Solidworks or similar CAD software is preferable.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must have and be able to maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. Candidates with an active DoD security clearance are required. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically
LI-DNI
Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC's Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant's resume/application may be subject to verification.
Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.
UIC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics EOE/D/V. In furtherance, pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants, based on the provisions contained within The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
All candidates must apply online at www.uicalaska.com, and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance (https://uicalaska.com/careers/recruitment/).
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
UIC Government Services (UICGS / Bowhead) provides innovative business solutions to federal and commercial customers in the areas of engineering, maintenance services, information technology, program support, logistics/base support, and procurement. Collectively, the fast-growing Bowhead Family of Companies offers a breadth of services which are performed with a focus on quality results. Headquartered in Springfield, VA, we are a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar company recognized as a top Alaska Native Corporation providing services across the Department of Defense and many federal agencies. Bowhead offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as a paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.
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ID 2025-23685
Category Engineering
Location : Location US-VA-Dahlgren
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Secret
Minimum Clearance Required Secret
Travel Requirement Less than 10%
