Lead Mechanical Engineer

Overview The Lead Mechanical Engineer develops innovative mechanical and thermal‑structural designs for complex, next‑generation defense and aerospace applications. The role combines technical leadership and hands‑on engineering, serving as a task lead on key projects while also contributing as an individual engineer. Responsibilities include translating customer requirements into detailed design criteria, applying rigorous engineering principles and tools, ensuring manufacturable and maintainable hardware, leading teams, and fostering a high‑performance engineering culture. Responsibilities Serve as task lead on mechanical engineering projects, ensuring thorough due diligence and technical rigor. Develop innovative designs for custom mechanical and structural hardware, including test fixtures, mechanical assemblies, pressure vessels, piping systems, and weldments. Translate customer requirements into detailed design criteria and specifications, using strong engineering principles to develop robust, reliable solutions. Perform structural analysis and, as needed, aerothermal, thermal‑structural, and flow analyses using hand calculations and appropriate software tools. Create comprehensive design documentation such as presentations, white papers, calculation packages, technical reports, and supporting materials. Review design documentation produced by internal and third‑party engineers to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project objectives and engineering standards. Present designs and analysis results to customers, incorporating feedback and refining solutions to meet evolving technical and programmatic needs. Collaborate closely with engineers from other disciplines to ensure proper design integration across mechanical, thermal, structural, and system‑level interfaces. Work directly with designers and operators to confirm that designed hardware is practical to manufacture, assemble, operate, and maintain in real‑world environments. Lead and mentor junior engineers, fostering strong problem‑solving skills and disciplined engineering processes through on‑the‑job guidance. Support the development of test chambers, instrumentation systems, and experimental platforms for complex, multidisciplinary projects. Contribute to building and shaping the local engineering team, helping establish a strong technical culture and best practices. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related discipline. 10+ years of experience with full lifecycle mechanical design and product development. Proven experience developing designs for custom mechanical and structural hardware. Strong CAD modeling and drawing development skills, including proficiency in SolidWorks or similar tools. Hands‑on experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure clear, manufacturable engineering drawings. Mechanical design expertise covering structural design, thermal analysis, and thermal‑structural considerations. Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as Ansys or similar software. Ability to perform structural, thermal, and flow analyses using both hand calculations and appropriate software tools. Ability to obtain a Secret‑level security clearance. Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills. Effective communication skills for presenting designs and collaborating across disciplines. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with test facility design and layout for complex mechanical or thermal test environments. Experience working with wind tunnels or hypersonic technologies. Familiarity with thermal‑structural engineering challenges in high‑performance aerospace or defense applications. Experience on projects that support national security efforts or advanced defense systems. Exposure to multidisciplinary projects involving test chambers, instrumentation systems, and experimental platforms. Interest in mentoring and developing junior engineers and contributing to the growth of a new engineering team. Ability to collaborate effectively with remote teams and adapt to evolving tools and processes. Work Environment This role is based in Indiana at a co‑working facility with plans to transition into a dedicated office space. It offers a hybrid work arrangement (2–3 days from home) and requires occasional on‑site collaboration. The environment focuses on cutting‑edge defense and aerospace systems, including hypersonic technologies and test chambers. Job Type & Location Contract to Hire position based in Odon, IN. Pay And Benefits Pay range: $55.00–$87.00/hr. Benefits (eligible for temporary role) Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth contributions Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type Hybrid position in Odon, IN. Equal Opportunity Statement 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. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation related to the application or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr