Prototype Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

* This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. * 

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Job Summary: 

ZelTech is seeking a motivated and skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the research, design, analysis, and prototyping of next-generation Unmanned Systems for a Government customer. The ideal candidate will contribute to mechanical design and systems integration across the full development lifecycle and play an active role in advancing mission-ready unmanned technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, development, and evaluation of mechanical components and subsystems for unmanned and autonomous platforms. 
• Conduct mechanical and structural analyses, including load, vibration, thermal, and corrosion assessments.
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles to develop, analyze, and manage system models, ensuring the integration of modeling and simulation tools and methodologies with systems engineering processes to support requirements development, architecture design, trade studies, and system validation activities.
• Generate and revise engineering documentation such as CAD models, drawings, parts lists, system diagrams, and manufacturing plans.
• Support integration and test activities in lab and field environments, including troubleshooting and resolving mechanical issues during assembly and operation.
• Contribute to the mechanical aspects of UxS prototype development and validation through hands-on fabrication, testing, and performance assessments.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure complete and functional system designs. 
• Maintain accurate technical data and deliverable documentation.
• Evaluate new mechanical hardware and integration approaches to improve autonomy, survivability, and environmental performance.
• Support trade-off studies, risk assessments, value engineering, and lifecycle cost estimation from a mechanical standpoint.
• Support development and validation of mechanical models for simulation of UxS performance in variable environments.
• Integrate simulation feedback into iterative mechanical design improvements.

Requirements:

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Must have an active SECRET clearance.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably for defense, aerospace, or related technical fields. 
• Demonstrated experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using tools such as Cameo, SysML, or similar, including integration of modeling and simulation to support systems engineering processes. 
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles related to structural design, materials, thermal management, and environmental survivability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on experience with prototype fabrication, mechanical assembly, or field testing. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional technical team.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements:

• N/A

Physical Demands or Work Environment: 

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

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting. 
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.

About ZelTech:

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.                                           

 Our Mission:

Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives. 

Our Workforce:

ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professional, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment 
• Educational assistance and special training programs 
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life) 
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave 
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

Equal Opportunities:
 

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.