Design Engineer II

Cartridge Actuated Devices • Fairfield, NJ

1d • $85,000 - $115,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Engineer is responsible for mechanical design, energetic packaging, and project execution across the product development lifecycle. In addition to core design and analysis, this role manages project schedules, customer deliverables, and hands-on prototyping from initial concept through qualification, testing, and production transition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2–5 years of mechanical design and project tracking experience within aerospace, defense, energetic devices, or high-reliability electro-mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling SolidWorks and drafting using ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Practical understanding of stress/thermal analysis tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) and material selection (aerospace alloys, corrosion-resistant steels).
• Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines using MS Project/Excel, track action items, and coordinate cross-functional deliverables to meet customer milestones.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) to satisfy ITAR and EAR requirements.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an ATF Employee Possessor status.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience working in a machine shop environment for prototyping, R&D fixture fabrication, and hardware modifications (e.g., manual lathe, mill, drill press, band saw, and basic shop hand tools).
• Familiarity with pyrotechnics, explosives, squibs, initiators, gas generators, or high-pressure pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
• Practical exposure to military/government specifications (MIL-STD-810, MIL-DTL, NAVSEA/Air Force specs).
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM environments (SAP, SyteLine, Epicor, Arena) and instrumentation/data acquisition tools (load cells, pressure transducers, high-speed DAQ).
• Knowledge of aerospace quality systems (AS9100) and structured problem-solving methodologies (FRACAS, 8D, Fishbone).

Responsibilities

• Design 3D CAD models, subassemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings for CAD/PAD mechanisms, explosive containment housings, cutters, and release devices using SolidWorks.
• Own engineering project schedules, technical milestones, and action items; track design reviews (PDR/CDR), risk registers, and design deliverables for customers.
• Assist with quick-turn prototype builds, fit-checks, and tooling modifications using machine shop equipment to iterate rapidly during early-stage development.
• Apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5), draft Bills of Materials (BOMs), write technical reports/specifications, and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) while optimizing for manufacturability and cost.
• Execute structural, thermal, and pressure-vessel hand calculations and FEA simulations to verify margins under high-g shock, extreme vibration, high temperature, and high-pressure (HPHT) environments.
• Author test plans and procedures (QTP/QTR); coordinate and oversee static, dynamic, environmental, and live energetic firing tests.
• Collaborate daily with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and machine shop technicians to ensure on-time delivery and seamless handover to AS9100-controlled production.
• Adhere to strict handling procedures for energetic materials in accordance with ATF, DoD, OSHA, and DOT regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level