Job Title: Mechanical Designer / Mechanical Engineer (Launch Hardware)
Job Description
This role focuses on the design and development of launch pad hardware and ground support equipment for advanced aerospace systems. You will create and refine structural and mechanical designs that support launch operations, recovery systems, and production tooling while working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams. The position combines 3D CAD design, structural steel detailing, and hands-on support of builds and installations in a dynamic, high-mix, low-volume environment.
Responsibilities
Support the design and detailing of launch pad structures, ground support equipment, and mechanical systems that enable reliable launch operations.
Develop 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings, with a strong preference for using NX (Unigraphics), while also accommodating other major CAD platforms as needed.
Create and maintain fabrication-ready documentation, including weldments, assemblies, and installation drawings that are clear, complete, and production-ready.
Design and refine structural steel components such as frames, supports, platforms, and heavy equipment mounting structures to meet strength, safety, and constructability requirements.
Collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and operations teams to ensure designs meet functional requirements, fabrication constraints, and installation needs.
Incorporate tube routing, conduit routing, and piping layouts into mechanical and structural designs, ensuring proper clearances, accessibility, and maintainability.
Apply knowledge of welding symbols, weld callouts, and fabrication standards to ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with shop practices.
Support proto@type builds, installations, and field modifications by reviewing and incorporating redlines, updating designs, and resolving issues discovered during assembly and testing.
Assist with basic structural sizing and layout decisions, balancing cost, schedule, and constructability while maintaining safety and performance standards.
Ensure all designs align with applicable safety, quality, and operational standards and support reliable launch pad and ground system operations.
Work with fabrication shops and weld environments to clarify design intent, address manufacturability concerns, and implement design improvements based on feedback.
Interpret and use engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications to guide design work and support build and installation activities.
Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and documentation practices in a high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build setting.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience with 3D CAD software, with strong proficiency in NX (Unigraphics) preferred; experience with Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks is also acceptable.
Proven experience creating engineering drawings and 3D models suitable for fabrication, including weldments and assemblies.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on design experience for designer-level candidates.
Experience with structural steel design and detailing, including frames, weldments, platforms, and similar structures.
Working knowledge of welding symbols, weld callouts, and fabrication drawings to ensure accurate communication with fabrication teams.
Experience with tube routing in mechanical or structural systems.
Experience with conduit routing for electrical or control systems within mechanical structures.
Experience with piping systems and layouts, including integration with structural and mechanical designs.
Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and industry-standard drawing practices.
Hands-on experience supporting builds, installations, or field troubleshooting of mechanical or structural systems.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications accurately.
Experience working in industrial, aerospace, heavy equipment, or construction environments where large-scale structures and systems are common.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely and effectively with technicians, engineers, and operations teams.
Strong proficiency with NX, including routing modules being a significant advantage.
Experience working with fabrication shops or weld environments, including direct interaction to resolve design and manufacturing issues.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Direct experience supporting launch pad systems, ground systems, or large-scale industrial infrastructure projects.
Background in high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build environments where designs iterate quickly and move rapidly into production.
Experience integrating tube, conduit, and piping routing into complex structural and mechanical assemblies.
Exposure to advanced aerospace systems, launch operations, or recovery systems, even in a supporting role.
Ability to balance cost, schedule, and constructability considerations when making structural sizing and layout decisions.
Comfort working with cross-functional teams and adapting designs based on feedback from operations, fabrication, and field teams.
Work Environment
The role operates in a dynamic engineering environment that supports advanced aerospace systems, launch pad infrastructure, and ground support equipment. You will primarily use 3D CAD tools such as NX (with possible use of Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks) to create detailed models and drawings, and you will regularly interact with fabrication shops and weld environments to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable. Work includes a mix of office-based design tasks and on-site support for builds, installations, and field modifications, often around large structural steel frames, platforms, and heavy equipment mounting structures. The environment emphasizes collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, and values rapid design/build cycles, clear documentation, and adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Kennedy Space Center, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $41.00/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 Kennedy Space Center,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.
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.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
