1270 - Mechanical Engineer

Monte Sano Research Corporation • Huntsville, AL

1d

About The Position

Monte Sano Research Corporation (MSRC) is seeking an experienced, self-motivated Mechanical Engineer to support the design, drawing, fabrication, testing, and Science & Technology (S&T) prototyping of defense hardware. The position operates within the S&T community and bridges initial 3D CAD design, machine-shop prototyping, and early-stage field evaluation in a fast-paced Department of War (DoW) environment. The position is contingent upon funding.

The engineer will develop and maintain complex CAD models, engineering drawings, and early-lifecycle Technical Data Packages (TDPs); coordinate with prototype vendors and machine shops to improve manufacturability, cost, and lead times; and provide hands-on support for prototype assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design updates. The role also includes collaboration with customers, project offices, engineering teams, and procurement personnel, along with support for technical briefings, project updates, and risk mitigation.

A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience, and at least five years of relevant engineering experience are required. Prior experience in a DoW or defense aerospace environment is also required. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen and hold an active Secret DoD clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain one.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience in hardware design, S&T prototype development, and manufacturing.
• Prior engineering experience in a Department of War (DoW) or defense aerospace environment.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including 3D modeling, complex assemblies, and 2D drawing generation.
• Deep working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), with a thorough understanding of machine-shop operations, material selection, and mechanical prototype hardware integration.
• Ability to troubleshoot prototype mechanical systems under tight schedule constraints and deliver functional shop-floor hardware fixes with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Teams, for engineering records, procurement milestone tracking, and technical briefings.
• Active Secret DoD clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain one.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on knowledge of conventional and CNC machining processes, rapid prototyping techniques, and current manufacturing technology.
• Experience conducting structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate component designs and support S&T trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, release, and maintain complex 3D CAD models and detailed 2D engineering drawings in SolidWorks, and develop and update early-lifecycle TDPs for S&T prototype components in compliance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Prepare drawing submissions for prototype vendor quotes and act as the primary technical interface with machine shops; analyze vendor feedback and refine tolerances and geometries to improve manufacturability and reduce prototype costs and lead times.
• Provide hands-on prototype hardware assembly support, including rapid design updates, hardware modifications, and mechanism concepts to resolve testing and assembly challenges.
• Provide engineering judgment and troubleshooting during on-site early-stage field evaluations and test events; analyze post-test telemetry and structural data to improve subsequent prototype iterations.
• Coordinate with project offices, customers, engineering teams, and procurement personnel to align schedules, track vendor progress, navigate funding and acquisition hurdles, and support on-time prototype delivery.
• Support the planning, preparation, and delivery of program reviews, technical briefings, and project milestone updates; identify design and fabrication bottlenecks and carry out mitigation strategies.
• Complete design tasks and engineering design calculations assigned by the Lead Design Engineer (Customer), using engineering judgment to develop concepts that address customer design challenges.

What This Job Offers

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