Mechanical Engineer Temporary Jobs in California

Description
The Leidos Undersea Systems Division (USD) team currently has an opening for a Mechanical Engineer supporting NIWC Pacific. Candidate will support cutting-edge maritime technologies and work across a multitude of product lines. Responsibilities will be split dynamically between Configuration Management (CM) and managing the development and execution of Temporary Alteration Packages (TEMPALT) for temporary installation of equipment/systems on Navy platforms.
As a key member of a large, collaborative engineering team, candidate will act as a primary technical bridge ensuring that our advanced maritime hardware configurations are flawlessly documented and successfully integrated into naval vessels. This position offers a unique balance of detailed engineering, configuration control, shipboard technical documentation, and hands-on system integration support.
This position will require the candidate to maintain a Secret Clearance.
This position will require the candidate to work an onsite 9/80B schedule (80 hours of work into nine
days over a two-week period, allowing for every other Friday off) to align with the NIWC government team.
Key Responsibilities
Configuration Management (CM) Support

• Baseline Management: Establish and maintain system baseline configurations, drawing trees, and documentation packages across multiple systems.
• Engineering Change Control: Perform detailed reviews of engineering drawings, 3D CAD models (Solid Edge), and technical specifications to verify standards compliance, accuracy, and completeness.
• Change Documentation: Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and deviations, leading them through review boards and ensuring exact lifecycle documentation.
• Audit Support: Track hardware revisions and ensure physical systems match the digitized as-designed models across multiple product lines.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate across systems, electrical, and software engineering disciplines to ensure seamless configuration traceability.

2. Shipboard Installation & TEMPALT Support

• TEMPALT Packet Generation: Support the generation and technical orchestration of Temporary Alteration (TEMPALT) packages in accordance with NAVSEA and US Navy requirements (e.g., NAVSEAINST 4790.8).
• Design Review: Perform reviews of shipboard installation packages, including review of designs for structural foundations, shock/vibration isolation mountings, cabling pathways, and power distribution interfaces.
• Documentation & Planning: Develop technical installation instructions, shipboard safety briefs, drawing packages, and testing/restoration procedures.
• Ship Checks: Conduct ship checks and site surveys on naval vessels to assess structural fitment, clearance limits, and interference resolution.
• On-Site Installation Support: Provide on-site technical support to shipyards, installation teams, and ship crew during TEMPALT execution and initial system commissioning.
• Navy Stakeholder Liaison: Coordinate closely with Navy program offices, regional maintenance centers (RMCs), and ship command staff to gain package approvals and manage technical risks.

Required Qualifications & Education

• Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience: 2-5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, structural integration, or configuration control, preferably within maritime, aerospace, or defense sectors.
• CAD & PLM: Strong proficiency in 3D CAD design software (Solid Edge preferred)
• Configuration Management: Solid understanding of Configuration Management principles (ANSI/EIA-649 standard) and configuration control workflows.
• Analytical Skills: Basic structural and mechanical calculation skills (e.g., stress analysis, center of gravity, load-bearing capacities, bolt torque).
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interface effectively with shipyard personnel, design engineers, and Navy officials.
• Clearance & Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance. (Top Secret preferred)
• Willingness to travel as needed. (Anticipate 2-8 trips per year, with trips ranging from 3-days to 2- weeks in duration.)

Preferred Qualifications
Direct Navy Experience: Prior experience working directly on US Navy surface vessels or submarines.

• Maritime Standards: Familiarity with US Navy standard procedures, NAVSEA drawing requirements, and TEMPALTs / ShipAlts / Combat System Alts.

• Navy Military Standards: Knowledge of Navy shock and vibration standards (MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD- 167-1A) and electromagnetic interference controls (MIL-STD-461).
• CM Certification: Certification in Configuration Management (e.g., NDIA CM, CMPIC, or similar).
• Practical Integration: Hands-on shipboard mechanical assembly

Physical ability to:

• Navigate lab, office, and warehouse environments-including frequent movement around piers, docks, and facility spaces-with the ability to stoop, kneel, reach for extended periods, and transport objects weighing up to 75 lbs. across the facility.
• Use hands to operate machinery, tools, and computer equipment.
• Climb ladders up to 20 ft and work comfortably in loud production environments, various temperatures, and inclement weather.

SUBSEAMSS
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
September 1, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
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Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.