Mechanical Engineer Trainee Program Jobs in Florida

• Location 2604 E. 7th Ave,Tampa, FL, 33605,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Travel 25%

The Opportunity

The Mechanical Engineer supports Boomslang and HardKill efforts through mechanical design, prototype build support, test execution, and iterative engineering improvements for emerging technologies. The role performs hands‑on engineering activities including designs, models, and validates the physical components and systems of BOOMSLANG and HardKill, turning requirements into manufacturing hardware through CAD design, prototyping, testing, and close collaboration with product managers. This position requires independence, strong technical judgment, and the ability to translate operational needs into practical prototype solutions, while coordinating with support functions (IT, facilities, logistics) to keep engineering work unblocked.

Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions)

• Translate operational needs into mechanical requirements, concepts, and prototype plans.
• Design and detail prototype parts and assemblies using CAD.
• Perform basic engineering analysis and trade studies.
• Produce and maintain engineering documentation (drawings, BOMs, build instructions, test plans, test results).
• Assemble, integrate, and troubleshoot mechanical subsystems in coordination with cross-functional team members.
• Plan and execute test activities and redesign cycles, documenting issues, corrective actions, and outcomes.
• Improve prototyping workflows to increase reliability, repeatability, safety, and speed of execution.
• Prepare fielding kits, spares, and integration hardware, capture field feedback, and incorporate lessons learned into redesign.
• Communicate status, risks, and recommendations to program leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain engineering and program records to support reporting, traceability, and audit readiness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not have direct supervisory responsibility for personnel. However, when entry-level engineering staff or interns are present, the employee is expected to provide mentorship, guidance, and task-level oversight as needed.

Education

• High School Diploma Required
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical Degree preferred

Required Skills, Experience & Abilities

• Two years of experience in prototype design and evaluation.
• Mechanical design and prototype development mindset, with practical problem solving and a continuous improvement orientation.
• Strong organizational and documentation discipline, including configuration and revision tracking.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to translate operational needs into engineering actions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing mission requirements.
• Strong familiarity with Solidworks CAD tool

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Professionalism and positive attitude in workplace interactions
• Initiative and ability to take ownership of tasks/projects
• Comfort with ambiguity and learning on the job
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to work well independently or as part of a team
• Willingness to learn new tools or procedures
• Positive attitude toward safety and following protocols
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in austere field conditions.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Vision and hearing sufficient for meetings, presentations, and communication.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to tolerate varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time, which may include extended periods of standing, walking, or navigating airports and government facilities.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Professional office environment with standard office equipment (computers, phones, printers).
• Frequent interaction with clients, executives, and government officials in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Regular travel to customer sites, government facilities, and industry events.
• Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment requiring adaptability and responsiveness.
• Work may occasionally be performed in secure government facilities, requiring adherence to security protocols.
• This position may involve travel to government test sites, training ranges, and operational locations, including potential OCONUS destinations for short periods of time.
• Work may be conducted in laboratory, workshop, office, and field environments with varying conditions.

Equal Opportunity

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. NTS will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws for employment.