Mechanical Engineer

TRIDENT SYSTEMS•Sterling, VA

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer (level 2) supports the design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical hardware for advanced electronic systems. Working under the guidance of senior and principal mechanical engineers, this role contributes to the mechanical design of enclosures, card guides, brackets, thermal solutions, and related hardware for space, aerospace, and defense applications. The role provides hands-on experience throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and modeling through drawing release, build support, and environmental testing. At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems, the team uses rigorous engineering principles and collaborative product development—including design and peer reviews—to develop high-performance space-based electronic systems for DoD, Intelligence Community, and civil space customers. The Mechanical Engineer works with electrical, systems, test, and manufacturing teams, following configuration management and PDM/PLM processes while contributing to continuous improvement. This is a full-time position in Sterling, Virginia. The salary range is $64,000–$105,000, with actual compensation determined by factors including experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location. Eligible benefits may include health coverage, dental and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, voluntary ancillary benefits, spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, a 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, parental, maternity, and military leaves, and an annual discretionary bonus for eligible roles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
At least 2 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
Basic proficiency with 3D CAD tools; SolidWorks is preferred, or similar tools are acceptable.
Familiarity with fundamental mechanical engineering concepts, including statics, dynamics, materials, heat transfer, and basic structural and thermal analysis.
Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings; exposure to GD&T concepts.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate in a team environment and take direction from senior engineers.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics packaging.
Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing, including vibration, thermal, thermal-vacuum, and shock testing.
Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management practices.
Exposure to space or high-reliability electronics packaging, such as conduction-cooled assemblies or VPX and similar standards.
Hands-on experience with prototype hardware, laboratory testing, or shop tools.

Responsibilities

Assist with mechanical design and modeling of electronic assemblies, enclosures, and supporting hardware using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
Create and update part and assembly drawings, applying basic GD&T under the direction of more senior engineers.
Perform basic structural and thermal analyses, including hand calculations and introductory FEA, to support design decisions with mentorship and review.
Support preparation and maintenance of engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawing packages, and design review materials.
Participate in design and peer reviews and incorporate feedback to improve design quality and documentation.
Support prototype builds and integration activities, including coordinating with manufacturing, reviewing build issues, and implementing minor design changes.
Assist with environmental and qualification testing, including vibration, thermal, and thermal-vacuum testing; support fixture design, test setup, and data collection as directed.
Collaborate with electrical, systems, and test engineers to understand mechanical requirements and integration constraints.
Follow configuration management and PDM/PLM processes for release and change control of mechanical artifacts.
Document lessons learned and suggest incremental process or tool improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Basic life insurance with AD&D.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Voluntary life insurance with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet coverage.
Spending accounts, including HSA, FSA, and DCFSA.
Paid time off.
Holidays.
401(k) with company match.
Tuition reimbursement.
Parental, maternity, and military leaves.
Annual discretionary bonus for eligible roles.