Contract Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob Description This role leads the design and development of custom mechanical and electromechanical parts and assemblies for advanced aerospace systems, with a strong focus on satellite-related hardware. The mechanical engineer owns the full lifecycle of mechanical design, from concept through production, and collaborates closely with cross-functional engineering teams to meet critical program deadlines. This position also provides technical leadership to a team of mechanical and structural engineers on a major aerospace program. Responsibilities + Own the design and development of custom mechanical and electromechanical parts and assemblies for aerospace applications, including satellite-related systems. + Create and refine 3D models and detailed designs using SolidWorks to support complex mechanical and structural solutions. + Produce high-quality production drawings using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure clarity, accuracy, and manufacturability. + Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to reduce piece-part counts, streamline processes, and minimize complexity in fabrication and integration. + Incorporate error-proofing methods at every step of fabrication and integration to improve quality and reduce rework. + Collaborate and interface regularly with avionics, structural, thermal, systems engineering, and program management teams to ensure cohesive system-level designs. + Lead and guide a team of mechanical and structural engineers, providing technical direction and support to meet critical program milestones. + Support the transition from design to production by working closely with manufacturing and integration teams to resolve issues and optimize build processes. + Contribute to the successful execution of a large aerospace program by meeting schedule commitments and delivering robust, manufacturable designs. Essential Skills + Proven experience in mechanical engineering within the aerospace industry. + Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design and modeling. + Hands-on experience creating detailed production drawings using GD&T. + Demonstrated ability to apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to reduce part counts and simplify processes. + Background in aerospace systems, with exposure to satellite design or similar complex aerospace hardware. + Ability to collaborate effectively with avionics, structural, thermal, systems engineering, and program management teams. + Capability to lead and support a team of mechanical and structural engineers on a major program. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Satellite design experience or direct involvement in satellite-related mechanical systems. + Experience working on large, schedule-driven aerospace programs. + Prior exposure to error-proofing methods in fabrication and integration environments. + Strong communication skills to clearly convey design intent across multidisciplinary teams. Work Environment The role operates within a collaborative aerospace engineering environment focused on delivering a large, high-priority program. The team consists of direct employees and contract engineers working together to meet critical deadlines. You will work closely with avionics, structural, thermal, and systems engineering groups, as well as program management, using SolidWorks and GD&T-based production documentation as core tools. The position is structured as contract-to-hire, offering the opportunity to contribute to a major program's success and transition into a longer-term role based on performance and program needs. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, CO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $67.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.