Mechanical Engineer

Opportunity

PeopleTec is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support our Huntsville, AL location.

 

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the U.S. Army’s Directed Energy Project Office (DEPO) under the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The engineer will provide expertise across the design, analysis, integration, and ruggedization of mechanical subsystems supporting high-energy laser (HEL) weapon systems and supporting platforms. Work will span early development, prototyping, and transition to fielded capabilities—requiring strong technical depth and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. The selected candidate will play a key role in translating operational requirements into engineering solutions, ensuring mechanical survivability under military conditions, and supporting field integration and testing on tactical platforms. This position requires hands-on engagement across the lifecycle, from conceptual design and analysis to system-level integration and prototype field testing.

 

Duties:

• Lead mechanical design and integration of HEL subsystems, including structural supports, mechanisms, gimbal/line-of-sight components, enclosures, mounts, cooling systems, and cable management.
• Conduct and document structural and thermal analyses (static, modal, shock, vibration, steady/transient thermal) to ensure compliance with military standards and survivability in operational environments.
• Develop detailed engineering artifacts, including CAD models, technical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), interface control documents (ICDs), and configuration change packages.
• Integrate hardware on tactical platforms (e.g., vehicle-mounted systems), ensuring fit, tolerance management, ruggedization, maintainability, and environmental protection.
• Support prototyping and early development builds, including design-for-manufacture/assembly (DFM/DFA), supplier coordination, and resolution of non-conformance issues.
• Participate in and prepare for design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), technical briefings, and verification/validation events with government and industry partners.
• Provide field test support, including planning, setup, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and data collection during integration and evaluation of prototype systems.
• Collaborate with electrical, optical/laser, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure balanced design solutions across SWaP-T (size, weight, power, thermal) constraints.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and integration for complex electro-mechanical or defense systems.
• Proficiency with CAD design and release tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) with application of ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Demonstrated experience with FEA and thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Creo Simulate, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-167, shock/vibration, dust, humidity).
• Proven ability to support system-level integration and prototype testing in operational or field environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of preparing technical reports and presenting to program leadership.
• Travel: 20%
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance is required to perform this work. Candidates are required to have or obtain Secret clearance, and the ability to maintain this clearance level during employment.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; additional experience may be substituted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Desired Skills:

• Experience supporting Army or DoD acquisition program offices.
• Background in early development and prototyping, with demonstrated success transitioning designs into production.
• Familiarity with defense acquisition lifecycle and technical readiness assessments.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and government test ranges (e.g., WSMR, YPG) during field evaluations.

Overview

People First. Technology Always.

 

PeopleTec, Inc. is an employee-owned small business founded in Huntsville, AL that provides exceptional customer support by employing and retaining a highly skilled workforce.

 

Culture: The name "PeopleTec" was deliberately chosen to remind us of our core value system - our people. Our company's foundatio