Mechanical Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Systems Engineer

Job Description

This position seeks an experienced Senior Systems / Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the assessment, definition, and development of advanced HVAC and thermal management solutions for complex government and defense-related systems. You will evaluate existing cooling and environmental control infrastructure, establish system requirements, and develop modernization strategies for mission-critical applications, particularly focused on updating and modernizing older government facilities. In this role, you will lead technical efforts across systems engineering, mechanical design, thermal analysis, trade studies, and subsystem integration while supporting the full lifecycle of system development. You will apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles to ensure requirements traceability, architectural consistency, and design readiness, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate operational needs into effective engineering solutions and communicate technical recommendations to internal stakeholders and government customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the assessment, definition, and development of advanced HVAC and thermal management solutions for complex government and defense-related systems.
• Evaluate existing cooling and environmental control infrastructure to identify performance gaps, risks, and opportunities for modernization.
• Establish and refine system-level requirements for mechanical, HVAC, and thermal management subsystems supporting mission-critical applications.
• Develop modernization strategies and technical plans for updating and improving environmental control systems in older government facilities.
• Lead systems engineering activities, including requirements development, system architecture definition, and interface management for mechanical and thermal systems.
• Direct mechanical design and thermal analysis efforts to ensure robust, efficient, and reliable system performance under operational conditions.
• Conduct trade studies and engineering assessments to compare design alternatives and recommend optimal solutions based on technical, schedule, and risk considerations.
• Guide subsystem integration activities to ensure mechanical, HVAC, and thermal components function cohesively within larger system architectures.
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or structured systems engineering methodologies to maintain requirements traceability and architectural consistency.
• Support full lifecycle system development activities, from concept development and system assessment through modernization, implementation, and sustainment planning.
• Perform engineering assessments, modernization studies, and technical planning activities for complex mechanical and environmental control systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, project management, and technical leadership to align designs with operational needs and program objectives.
• Translate operational and mission requirements into clear, actionable engineering solutions and system specifications.
• Prepare and present technical recommendations, analyses, and design documentation to internal stakeholders and government customers.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively in both written reports and verbal presentations.
• Work independently to drive technical tasks while contributing actively and constructively within cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support government and defense-related engineering programs, particularly during concept development, system assessment, and modernization initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Approximately 12 or more years of experience in mechanical or systems engineering roles, with a focus on complex systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading the development, analysis, and integration of complex mechanical, HVAC, or thermal management systems.
• Strong background in systems engineering principles, including requirements development, system architecture, and interface management.
• Hands-on HVAC design experience, including familiarity with environmental control and cooling system design practices.
• Understanding of thermal systems, including thermal management architectures, performance analysis, and system integration practices.
• Experience conducting engineering assessments, modernization studies, trade analyses, and technical planning activities.
• Working knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or structured systems engineering methodologies to support requirements traceability and system modeling.
• Understanding of government design cycles and procurement processes associated with highly regulated engineering programs.
• Active security clearance enabling participation in government and defense-related projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs.
• background in environmental control systems and modernization initiatives for existing facilities.
• Experience collaborating with project management and technical leadership to align engineering solutions with program goals.
• Proven ability to lead trade studies and make data-driven recommendations for system improvements.
• Familiarity with mission-critical applications where reliability, resilience, and performance are key design drivers.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Huntsville, Alabama, within a collaborative engineering environment focused on government and defense-related projects. You will work closely with a project manager, technical lead, and Senior leadership, engaging with multidisciplinary teams to deliver modernization and system improvement initiatives. The work centers on updating and enhancing environmental control and HVAC systems in existing government facilities, with direct interaction with stakeholders and customers. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, clear communication, and coordination across disciplines to support mission-critical systems.

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

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.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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.