Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)

HEPCO • Carlsbad, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

HEPCO is seeking a Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms) for a permanent-placement opportunity in Carlsbad, California. This role supports the design, development, qualification, and testing of mechanical hardware, with a strong emphasis on precision mechanisms and electromechanical systems used in advanced aerospace and defense applications. The engineer will contribute across the full development cycle and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring mission hardware from concept through testing and validation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline and four years of relevant experience; graduate degree and two years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in mechanical design and hardware development within aerospace, defense, or a related high-performance industry.
• Proficiency with Creo or similar 3D CAD platforms.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience with mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, integration, and testing.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or a recently active clearance.
• Ability to obtain or maintain required customer access, including a favorable polygraph where applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mechatronics, actuators, gear trains, electronics packaging, thermal and structural considerations, and advanced manufacturing methods.
• Prior work on space, intelligence, or advanced mission-system hardware.
• Experience with DFM/DFA, materials testing, and performance optimization for compact or high-reliability systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision mechanisms and mechanical subsystems for aerospace and defense applications.
• Support requirements analysis, concept generation, trade studies, and detailed mechanical design activities.
• Create engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation packages.
• Support prototype builds, assembly, integration, and mechanical test execution.
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for mechanical subsystem and component validation.
• Participate in technical reviews, including peer reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, and Critical Design Reviews.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, systems, quality, and program teams to ensure hardware performance and producibility.
• Support field testing, demonstrations, or program integration efforts as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental health coverage.
• Health and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement savings plan with company 401(k) match.
• Paid time off and company-paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave and family-building support.

What This Job Offers

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