Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support an innovative defense technology company developing advanced aircraft systems. This individual will serve as the technical owner for mechanical design activities, including airframe structures, payload integrations, mechanical enclosures, tooling, fixtures, and production support equipment. The Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for leading designs from initial concept through production release while ensuring manufacturability and reliability.
Responsibilities
Own mechanical architecture and detailed design of aircraft structures, airframes, mounts, and enclosures.
Create production-ready CAD models, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
Design components for CNC machining, composite fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding.
Develop assembly fixtures, manufacturing tooling, and test equipment.
Plan and execute mechanical qualification, environmental, and durability testing.
Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions related to mechanical failures.
Support proto@type builds, manufacturing operations, and flight testing efforts.
Mentor junior engineers and establish engineering drawing and CAD standards.
Essential Skills
Mechanical Design Engineering - 7+ years of experience designing products from concept through production release.
SolidWorks CAD Expertise - Advanced experience with SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software, including large assemblies and configurations.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) - Strong knowledge of CNC machining, composites, sheet metal, and injection molding processes.
GD&T & Tolerance Analysis - Expert understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, fastener selection, and structural joint design.
Aerospace Structures - Experience designing airframes, structures, enclosures, payload interfaces, and mechanical assemblies.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Aerospace, defense, UAV/UAS, or aviation industry experience.
Hands-on CNC programming experience (Fusion 360 CAM, Mastercam, etc.).
Carbon fiber composite design, manufacturing, and bonding experience.
Experience supporting products transitioning from low-rate production to volume production.
Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing.
Prior experience supporting flight testing activities.
Experience mentoring junior engineers and establishing engineering standards.
Work Environment
The work environment is an early-stage defense startup with a fast-paced, mission-driven culture. The role is highly hands-on and split between engineering design, manufacturing floor support, and flight testing activities. Frequent collaboration with machinists, technicians, and manufacturing personnel is required. Engineers are expected to own complete product development cycles with limited oversight. Significant exposure to CNC machining operations, composites fabrication, assembly processes, and aircraft integration/testing is part of the job. The company offers a competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums and a 401(k) match.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Auburn Hills,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.
