Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

The Directed Energy team in Albuquerque, NM, is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the research, design, development, fabrication, and testing of innovative hardware and systems. This role is for a recent engineering graduate to gain hands-on experience developing next-generation technologies in a research and development environment on Kirtland Air Force Base and Leidos facilities. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced engineers, scientists, technicians, and fabricators to transform engineering concepts into functional hardware supporting advanced directed energy technologies, including high-power microwave (HPM), RF, electromagnetic, and pulsed-power systems. The position emphasizes mechanical and electromechanical design, 3D CAD modeling, engineering drawings, prototype development, and hands-on laboratory testing. The successful candidate will receive technical guidance and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components and assemblies for experimental hardware and systems, including integration of electrical and electronic hardware.
• Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and preliminary design layouts using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Assist with the development of engineering concepts and detailed designs, including material selection, dimensional tolerances, mechanical interfaces, and manufacturing considerations.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions, including structural, thermal, and mechanical evaluations.
• Support the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of prototype hardware for pulsed-power, high-power microwave, and related electromagnetic systems.
• Work closely with engineers, machinists, fabricators, and technicians to resolve design, manufacturing, and assembly challenges.
• Assist with laboratory testing, experimental setup, troubleshooting, data collection, and performance evaluation of prototype hardware.
• Support the development and integration of pulsed-power components, high-voltage assemblies, diagnostic equipment, and related experimental systems.
• Review test results and collaborate with senior engineers to identify design improvements and implement hardware modifications.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including design drawings, technical reports, test procedures, and design revisions.
• Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews and technical discussions to support project objectives.
• Follow established engineering procedures, laboratory safety practices, and quality requirements while completing assigned tasks under the guidance of senior engineers.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• SolidWorks
• CAD software (e.g., Creo, Inventor)
• 3D modeling
• Engineering drawings
• Engineering calculations and analyses
• Laboratory testing
• Troubleshooting
• Data collection
• Performance evaluation
• Pulsed-power systems
• High-power microwave (HPM) systems
• RF systems
• Electromagnetic systems
• Mechanical design
• Electromechanical design
• SolidWorks PDM (preferred)
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (preferred)
• Material selection (preferred)
• Design for manufacturability (preferred)
• Machining, welding, additive manufacturing, sheet metal fabrication (preferred)
• Structural analysis (preferred)
• Thermal analysis (preferred)
• Mechanical analysis (preferred)
• Electrical circuits (familiarity preferred)
• Instrumentation (familiarity preferred)
• Oscilloscopes (familiarity preferred)
• Data acquisition systems (familiarity preferred)
• Laboratory test equipment (familiarity preferred)
• MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW (experience preferred)
• Vacuum systems (familiarity preferred)
• Pressure systems (familiarity preferred)
• Thermal management (familiarity preferred)
• Mechanical packaging of electrical equipment (familiarity preferred)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Foundational understanding of engineering design principles, mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or equivalent tools.
• Ability to create or interpret basic engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Basic understanding of engineering analysis, problem-solving, and design methodologies.
• Interest in hands-on hardware development, fabrication, assembly, and laboratory testing.
• Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
• Willingness to learn new technical disciplines and work in a multidisciplinary research and development environment.
• Experience with engineering design projects, senior capstone projects, internships, undergraduate research, or other hands-on hardware development activities (preferred).
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams on prototype or research and development projects (preferred).
• Previous internship or project experience in aerospace, defense, government laboratories, or related technical environments (preferred).
• Motivated, hands-on, detail-oriented, and interested in applying engineering fundamentals to real-world hardware challenges in a collaborative research and development environment (ideal).
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.