Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of high-reliability mechanical systems. This role involves concept development, system analysis, and ensuring that components meet all technical specifications and requirements. The position requires overseeing the development process through production, including prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical and physical concepts and support the development of processes for high-reliability products and facilities with a focus on safety.
• Identify, collect, and document requirements, interfaces, design basis, and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders and systems engineers.
• Plan and perform analyses to ensure structures and systems can meet intended functions and technical specifications.
• Perform structural, thermal, hydraulic, and scoping calculations using hand calculations and analytical tools.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions for pressure vessels, piping, electromechanical systems, sensors, mechatronics, and automation systems.
• Integrate design activities across team members, partners, and suppliers, and conduct supporting scoping and sizing calculations.
• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models.
• Support manufacturability assessments and assembly integration considerations.
• Write and develop design documentation, including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
• Perform work in accordance with quality procedures to ensure project quality requirements are met.
• Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and behavior in all forms of communication.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with hardware and product development lifecycle, from conception to production.
• Experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, propulsion/rocketry, or defense electronics.
• Experience with mechanical component-level design of complex systems like high-pressure vessels, fluid systems, reactors, and turbines.
• Experience in a lead or managerial capacity, responsible for overseeing others' work.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations.
• Experience in designing and developing complex mechanical systems, fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
• Two plus years of hands-on experience in hardware development or manufacturing processes in a production environment.
• Experience with CAD and PLM software such as UG/NX, Solidworks, CREO/Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, or Windchill.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with design using ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1 or B31.3, and other industry standards.
• Experience with mechanical process equipment selection, sizing, and specification development.
• Hands-on experience with graphite or non-metallic components, fabrication, or assembly sequencing.
• Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessels or large metallic components.
• Experience with commercial nuclear power plant systems or operations is a plus.
• Professional experience in commercial nuclear power, design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME BPVC is advantageous.
• Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety-related systems is a plus.

Work Environment

The position is based in an office environment. The role involves collaboration with engineering team members, partners, and suppliers. A professional demeanor is expected in all communications.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $58.00 - $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 Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.