Engineering
Sr. Specialist Mechanical Engineer, Design Level 4 Canoga Park, CA Posted: 1/14/2026
Job Description
Job ID#:
214989
Job Category:
Engineering
Position Type:
Associate - W2
Shift:
1
PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Specialist Mechanical Engineer, Design Level 4, in Canoga Park, CA. Job ID#214989
Pay Rate: $52 - $57/hr
Job Description:
Seeking a Sr. Specialist Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering design team in our Los Angeles, CA location. This position requires the application of mechanical design skills and knowledge to develop hardware designs of critical turbomachinery components and assemblies for liquid rocket engines that meet system performance, cost and manufacturing requirements. The preferred candidate will have experience with CAD 3D modeling and drawing creation, and have working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME-Y14.5M-2018. Prior experience in the design of complex mechanical systems is desired.
Essential Job Functions (Including % of Time for Each)
The selected candidate will effectively perform mechanical design engineering assignments requiring application of advanced principles, theories and concepts to develop propulsion hardware to support liquid thruster and integrated propulsion systems for spacecraft and missile programs.
50% - Perform design tasks and activities that contribute to the development of turbomachinery components and assemblies. Interpret and create 3D CAD engineering models and drawings and perform tolerance studies. Evaluate technical input from hardware suppliers and work with component analysis, manufacturing, project engineering, quality and customer support groups on producibility improvements and cost savings. Conduct trade studies and develop component specifications and procedures as required. Plan and execute design tasks with limited general direction and work effectively within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
20% - Prepare engineering drawings with associated geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards. Actively participate in team meetings to assure design content for new or modified engineering designs. Prepare CAD files for team approval and monitors design release.
20% - Participate in shop floor and production hardware processing at suppliers and internally. Provide input to address nonconforming hardware, process planning, support production meetings, and work with supply chain to assure that design requirements are met. Support engineering drawing and specification updates at configuration change boards. Oversee installation, testing and operation of designs.
10% - Prepare presentations for internal and external customers. Responsible for preparing engineering reports to support tolerance studies, engineering analyses or failure investigations, including technical close-out reports.
Skills:
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Must be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.
Additional Requirements:
General understanding of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing, casting, welding, brazing, machining, heat treating).
Strong mechanical engineering background with knowledge and understanding of machine design, fluid mechanics and strength of materials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Experience in the design and development of mechanical systems and a working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements:
Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit or stand and maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require occasional walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of CREO parametric CAD modeling and Windchill PLM.
General component and system level knowledge of rocket and/or ramjet propulsion hardware.
Experience with rotating machinery and knowledge of turbopump components (volutes, inducers, rotors, stators, etc.).
Experience with Surface CAD modeling of airfoil and bladed geometries (volutes, inducers, etc.).
Prior experience with propulsion system integration with flight vehicles and test facilities.
An advanced degree or coursework toward an advanced degree.
Education:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an appropriate discipline and two (2) years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.
Job Requirements
Minimum Security Clearance:
No Clearance
Military connected talent encouraged to apply.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
