Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The Lead Mechanical Engineer designs, integrates, and supports mechanical systems for spacecraft and satellite sub-systems while guiding a team of mechanical and structural engineers. This role focuses on mechanical design, anomaly resolution, and sub-system development, and plays a key part in meeting critical program deadlines. The engineer creates and reviews CAD models and technical drawings, oversees component testing, and collaborates closely with other technical leads to drive successful design reviews and program milestones.
Responsibilities
Lead a team of mechanical and structural engineers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance.
Own mechanical design activities for spacecraft and satellite sub-systems from concept through detailed design and integration.
Develop and maintain CAD models and detailed technical drawings using industry-standard tools.
Apply GD&T principles to ensure proper definition, fit, and function of mechanical components and assemblies.
Oversee and assist with testing of mechanical components, including planning, execution support, and documentation of results.
Drive integration activities, ensuring mechanical designs interface correctly with other sub-systems and meet program requirements.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical anomalies and issues throughout the design, build, and test phases.
Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering team leads to prepare for and execute Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), and other key design and program milestones.
Ensure designs align with aerospace standards, program constraints, and performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
Support schedule and deliverable planning to help the program meet critical deadlines and milestones.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in mechanical design for aerospace applications, particularly spacecraft or satellite systems.
Hands-on experience with satellite design or similar aerospace platforms.
Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and creation of detailed CAD assemblies.
Strong knowledge and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, including materials, structures, and mechanisms.
Experience supporting or leading mechanical sub-system development from concept through test.
Background working in an aerospace environment or on aerospace programs.
Ability to lead and coordinate the work of mechanical and structural engineers.
Ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical anomalies in a structured, data-driven manner.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and participating in formal design reviews.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Prior experience leading or serving as a senior engineer on spacecraft or satellite programs.
Experience participating in or preparing documentation for PDRs, CDRs, and other formal design reviews.
Familiarity with integration and test processes for aerospace hardware.
Experience working on multi-organization engineering teams that include both direct employees and contractors.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines and evolving program needs.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation, drawings, and review packages.
Interest in a contract-to-hire opportunity with the potential to contribute to long-term program success.
Work Environment
The role operates within a collaborative aerospace engineering environment focused on spacecraft and satellite programs. The team includes both direct employees and a small number of contractors from other engineering services organizations. As the senior member of the mechanical group, the Lead Mechanical Engineer serves as the primary technical and leadership point of contact for the mechanical and structural team. Work typically involves regular interaction with cross-functional engineering leads, participation in structured design reviews, and coordination around key project deadlines. Daily work centers on CAD modeling, technical drawing creation, analysis, and support for component integration and testing in an engineering lab and office setting, with a professional, engineering-focused dress code appropriate to a technical workplace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $72.11 - $77.00/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: - 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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
