Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This Mechanical Engineer role supports global systems design activities from the US office, focusing on the design, development, qualification, and testing of mechanical and structural systems for advanced vehicle and aerospace applications. You will work with a high level of autonomy in a collaborative team environment, partnering closely with engineering colleagues in the US and an experienced multi-functional team based in Italy.
Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and structural vehicle systems using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling tools.
• Perform finite element modeling (FEM) and analysis to evaluate structural performance, strength, stiffness, and durability of components and assemblies.
• Support Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) activities, ensuring mechanical and structural systems meet acceptance and qualification requirements.
• Contribute to risk assessment activities and conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify, evaluate, and mitigate technical risks.
• Define and integrate dynamics requirements into the system baseline, ensuring structural dynamics considerations are appropriately captured in the design.
• Apply principles of structural dynamics to analyze system behavior in operational environments, including vibration, loads, and dynamic responses.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary design and development teams across different engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive system-level solutions.
• Provide technical support to other internal units, sharing expertise in mechanical engineering, FEM analysis, and structural dynamics.
• Use finite element numerical software, particularly NASTRAN/FEMAP, to perform detailed simulations and support design decisions.
• Prepare and review technical documentation related to design, analysis, verification, and qualification of mechanical and structural systems.
• Support activities related to aerospace and space environments, including understanding and applying relevant standards and tailoring them to project needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on mechanical and structural system design and analysis.
• Hands-on experience with finite element numerical software, specifically NASTRAN and FEMAP, for FEM and FEA analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and computer-aided design tools, including SolidWorks, for modeling vehicle and aerospace systems.
• Strong expertise in structural dynamics, including analysis and application of key principles to mechanical and structural designs.
• In-depth understanding and practical application of structures and structural dynamics principles in engineering projects.
• Ability to define, derive, and integrate dynamics requirements into the system baseline and ensure proper implementation in the design.
• Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams, collaborating across engineering functions.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Engineering, or another related STEM discipline.
• Experience in the aviation or aerospace industry, particularly in mechanical and structural systems.
• Familiarity with space and launch environments, including derivation of environmental conditions for design and analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and tailoring for specific project and mission requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the space or defense sector is considered a significant plus.
• Experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis of mechanical and structural systems.
• Experience with space, satellite, or launch vehicle projects is highly beneficial.
• Ability to support acceptance, qualification, and verification activities for mechanical and structural systems.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with global and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate autonomously while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment.

Work Environment
This is an on-site role based in the US office, working closely with a global engineering organization. You will collaborate daily with local colleagues and an experienced multi-functional team in Italy, using advanced engineering tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, and SolidWorks in a professional, technology-driven environment. The work focuses on aerospace and space-related mechanical and structural systems, with an emphasis on rigorous design, analysis, testing, and qualification activities in a structured engineering setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Melbourne, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $58.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Melbourne,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.