Mechanical Engineer Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Company

Founded in 1981, Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI) is the recognized leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of security products for global defense and law enforcement markets. CSI is the premier supplier of less-lethal munitions and launching systems, serving riot control, police tactical teams, corrections officers, and military units worldwide. Our blue-chip customer base includes the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and a majority of U.S. law enforcement agencies, as well as foreign military and security forces.

Mechanical Engineer Summary

The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and production of less-lethal munitions, pyrotechnic devices, tactical launchers, and precision-engineered defense components. This role focuses on mechanical design, product reliability, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement within a high-mix, defense-grade production environment. Ideal candidates are analytical, detail-oriented, and motivated to solve complex engineering challenges while collaborating across multiple disciplines.

Why Choose Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI)?

• Work in Comfort: Climate-controlled manufacturing environment designed for year-round comfort.
• Generous Time Off: Earn 80 hours of PTO starting Day 1.
• Low-Cost Health Coverage: Standard medical is just $18/week (Buy-up HRA option available at $49/week). Add dental and vision coverage to either plan.
• Retirement & Extras: 401(k) with a 3% company match after 6 months, plus paid holidays.
• Stability: Join a global defense and U.S. Military supplier that has been operating successfully since 1981.
• Career Growth: Opportunity to directly impact manufacturing success, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Will Do & Who We Are Looking For

The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and production of less-lethal munitions, pyrotechnic devices, tactical launchers, and precision-engineered defense components. This role focuses on mechanical design, product reliability, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement within a high-mix, defense-grade production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design — Create and refine 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings for munitions, launchers, and mechanical subsystems.
• Engineering Analysis — Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and tolerance analyses to ensure product performance and safety.
• Prototype Development — Build and evaluate prototypes; conduct iterative design improvements based on test data.
• Testing & Validation — Develop and execute test plans for ballistic, environmental, and functional evaluations.
• Manufacturing Support — Troubleshoot production issues, optimize manufacturability, and support tooling and fixture design.
• Documentation — Generate BOMs, specifications, ECNs, and technical reports in accordance with internal and defense-industry standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration — Work closely with R&D, chemistry, ballistics, quality, and production teams to support new product introduction and continuous improvement.
• Compliance & Safety — Ensure designs meet applicable NIJ, ATF, DoD, and internal safety requirements for energetic and pressure-bearing systems.
• Supplier Interaction — Evaluate vendor components, materials, and manufacturing capabilities.

Strict Employment Requirements

Because we manufacture high-quality defense and law enforcement security products, all hires must meet these federal and safety standards:

• Pass a pre-employment drug screening and continuous random drug testing.
• Pass a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) criminal background check.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and interpret test data.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or product-development environment.
• Strong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work hands-on with prototypes, test equipment, and production tooling.

Preferred Experience but Not Required

• Experience with energetic materials, pyrotechnics, or pressure-bearing mechanical systems.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or munitions manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ballistic testing, environmental testing, or reliability engineering.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, DFMA, or continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or test equipment.
• Exposure to regulatory compliance for defense-related products.