Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Job Title: Mechanical CAD Designer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Mechanical CAD Designer to support advanced communication systems in Washington, DC. This hands-on role spans the full product lifecycle, from concept development and mechanical design through prototyping, testing, integration, maintenance, and sustainment of mechanical and electromechanical hardware. You will work onsite alongside engineers, technicians, and other professionals at customer locations, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

Responsibilities

• Design robust and reliable mechanical and electromechanical systems, assemblies, and components for advanced communication and antenna equipment.
• Analyze system requirements and translate them into detailed mechanical design specifications that meet performance, reliability, and safety objectives.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and complete manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks and related CAD tools.
• Perform design analyses, material selection, and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) assessments to ensure efficient production and long-term reliability.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation for all stages of the design process, including concepts, prototypes, test results, and final configurations.
• Design, assemble, and build prototypes to validate design concepts and performance requirements.
• Conduct failure analysis as needed, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve system performance and reliability.
• Support environmental, vibration, thermal, and functional testing activities for mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Support integration of new mechanical systems and components into existing platforms and infrastructure.
• Support fabrication, assembly, installation, and maintenance activities for deployed systems, working closely with technicians and manufacturing teams.
• Coordinate with manufacturing personnel, technicians, engineers, and suppliers to ensure successful hardware implementation and delivery.
• Perform routine maintenance, upgrades, and configuration improvements on mechanical and electromechanical equipment used in communications and antenna systems.
• Work closely with a small, highly effective team to understand customer needs and provide technical support that meets their requirements.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure project success and alignment with overall system objectives.
• Communicate project status, technical information, and design decisions clearly and effectively to peers and leadership.
• Wear multiple hats by contributing to SolidWorks design, hands-on assembly, testing, and troubleshooting as project needs evolve.

Essential Skills

• 5–10+ years of proven experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Strong experience across the full lifecycle, including design, concept development, prototyping, testing, integration, manufacturing support, and sustainment.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CAD/CAM software and related CAD tools.
• Experience creating technical drawings, specifications, documentation, and design analyses suitable for manufacturing and testing.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of complex mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of materials, machining processes, fasteners, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing/3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding.
• Experience working with hand tools, power tools, precision measurement equipment, and general shop equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, peers, and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-stress, high-speed environment while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving without requiring constant direction.
• Active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks for both 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation in a product development environment.
• Experience in mechanical design for communication systems, antenna structures, or similar complex electromechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with design-for-manufacturability principles and collaboration with manufacturing teams.
• Comfort working with advanced test equipment and tools during prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while contributing to design, assembly, testing, and field support.
• Strong customer-facing skills, including the ability to understand requirements and translate them into practical technical solutions.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite at a naval research laboratory environment in Washington, DC, working a consistent schedule from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM each workday. You will operate in a hands-on lab and shop setting, working directly with advanced equipment, tools, and technologies used for mechanical design, prototyping, assembly, and testing. The work environment is fast-paced and high-performance, with close collaboration among engineers, technicians, and other professionals focused on innovative design and sustainment of communication systems. You will frequently use hand tools, power tools, precision measurement instruments, and fabrication equipment while adhering to appropriate safety practices and lab protocols.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington, VA.

The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $77.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Arlington,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.