Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role sits within a launch engineering team and focuses on the mechanical design and field support of propellant generation systems that enable rapid, high-volume production of liquid oxygen and methane. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to design, install, and activate air separation units, liquefaction equipment, and gas turbine-based power generation infrastructure that supports orbital launch capabilities. The position offers the opportunity to own projects end-to-end, from concept and design through build, test, and activation in a fast-paced launch environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities for air separation plants, liquefaction systems, and gas turbine-based power generation plants.
• Design and analyze mechanical systems for launch pads, recovery systems, and production tooling to support propellant generation and launch operations.
• Own projects end-to-end by coordinating the build, testing, and activation of the hardware you design, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety.
• Work closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure delivered products meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations.
• Apply broad technical knowledge to perform basic structural sizing, mechanisms design, and general mechanical design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations.
• Prepare and present cost and schedule trade-off proposals to leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Provide field support for mechanical systems during installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations of propellant generation and power infrastructure.
• Collaborate daily with technicians, engineers, and managers to resolve design and integration issues and to drive projects to completion.
• Interpret and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure manufacturability and proper fit and function of components and assemblies.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, parts lists, and specifications to support design, fabrication, and assembly activities.
• Demonstrate a proactive, hands-on approach by engaging directly with hardware, test setups, and on-site equipment when needed to keep projects on track.
• Lead and organize project tasks, schedules, and priorities, leveraging project management skills in aerospace, industrial, or power generation environments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in an mechanical engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of professional, internship, or project experience using 3D modeling design software such as NX, CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks.
• At least 1 year of professional, internship, or project experience using finite element or analysis tools such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or FEMAP.
• Experience in designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures in a professional setting (1+ years).
• Strong understanding and demonstrated application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, parts lists, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with fluids-related mechanical systems, including piping and associated components.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an integrated, collaborative team environment with technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Proactive, self-starter mindset with the ability to lead projects from concept through completion.
• Passion for hands-on work with mechanical hardware when required to enable project success.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering.
• Project management experience in the aerospace, industrial, or power generation industry.
• Experience with mechanical design and analysis for launch pads, recovery systems, or production tooling.
• Experience presenting cost and schedule trade studies or proposals to leadership or stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical performance with cost and schedule constraints.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical presentations.
• Interest in working on high-impact systems such as propellant generation, liquefaction, and power generation for launch applications.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site in Cape Canaveral, FL, within a highly dynamic launch and test environment that supports orbital launch operations. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and hands-on technicians in and around air separation units, liquefaction systems, and gas turbine-based power generation equipment. The position involves regular interaction with active launch pad infrastructure, production tooling, and field-installed mechanical systems, requiring comfort with both office-based design work and on-site support. You will frequently use advanced 3D CAD tools and analysis software, participate in design reviews, and support hardware build, testing, and activation activities in a fast-paced, schedule-driven setting that emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This is a Contract position based out of Cocoa, FL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Contract position based out of Cocoa, FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Cocoa,FL.

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 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.