1270 - Mechanical Engineer

Monte Sano Research Corporation (MSRC) is a Huntsville-based Small Business specializing in providing full-spectrum defense system engineering, research, design, development, integration, test, evaluation, and planning services to the U.S. Government.

Our primary focus at MSRC is to provide extraordinary talent to propel the Warfighter, and we seek to hire people who are Elevated (always do the right thing), Exceptional (the very best at what they do), and Enduring (self-disciplined; self-motivated).

MSRC is seeking a self-motivated, experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the design, drawing, fabrication, testing, and S&T (Science & Technology) level prototyping efforts of defense hardware. Operating within the S&T community, the ideal candidate will bridge the gap between initial 3D CAD design, machine shop prototyping, and early-stage field evaluation within a fast-paced Department of War (DoW) environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• CAD & Prototype TDP Development: Create, modify, release, and maintain complex 3D CAD models and detailed 2D engineering drawings in SolidWorks, developing and updating early-lifecycle Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for S&T-level prototype components in compliance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Shop Liaison: Spearhead drawing submissions for prototype vendor quotes and serve as the primary technical interface for machine shops—actively analyzing vendor feedback and refining tolerances and geometries to optimize manufacturability and reduce prototype costs and lead times.
• Prototype Fabrication & Assembly: Supply hands-on prototype hardware assembly support, providing rapid, on-the-fly design updates, hardware modifications, and mechanism concepts to resolve real-time testing and assembly challenges.
• Test Support & Evaluation: Provide direct on-site engineering judgment and troubleshooting during early-stage field evaluation and test events; analyze post-test telemetry and structural data to execute design improvements for future prototype iterations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate closely with Project Offices, Customers, engineering teams, and procurement personnel to align schedules, track vendor progress, navigate funding/acquisition hurdles, and ensure on-time prototype delivery.
• Technical Briefings & Risk Mitigation: Support the planning, preparation, and delivery of comprehensive program reviews, technical briefings, and project milestone updates; proactively identify design and fabrication bottlenecks and execute mitigation strategies.
• Customer Support: Execute design tasks and engineering design calculations assigned by the Lead Design Engineer (Customer) in a timely manner; utilize engineering judgement to supply innovative and effective concepts to assist the Customer in tackling design challenges.

Education and Experience

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent relevant experience is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience in hardware design, S&T prototype development, and manufacturing is required.
• Defense Background: Prior engineering experience operating within a Department of War (DoW) or defense aerospace environment is required.
• Machining & Prototyping: Hands-on knowledge of conventional and CNC machining processes, rapid prototyping techniques, and current manufacturing technology is strongly preferred.

Job Qualifications

• CAD & Drafting Mastery: Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling, complex assemblies, and 2D drawing generation) and deep working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• DFM & Machining Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and a thorough understanding of machine shop operations, material selection, and mechanical prototype hardware integration.
• Simulation & Analysis (Desired): Experience conducting structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate component designs and support S&T trade studies.
• Rapid Problem-Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot prototype mechanical systems under tight schedule constraints and deliver functional, shop-floor hardware fixes with minimal supervision.
• Communication & Documentation: Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Teams) to maintain organized engineering records, track procurement milestones, and deliver clear technical briefings to senior leadership.

Additional Requirements

• Active Secret DoD Clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain a clearance.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen.

Position contingent upon funding.

MSRC’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) practices are grounded in federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), among others. These laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, and other protected characteristics. They also prohibit preferential treatment based on any such trait. These protections apply across all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, training, and termination