Mechanical Engineer VI

About the role

This role defines advanced mechanical engineering for defense, national security, and space technology missions. You will operate at the intersection of testing, design, and systems engineering to enable mission-critical solutions. The work supports high-stakes programs that push performance and reliability from ground operations to space environments.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Complex test programs are designed and overseen, drawing on extensive experience in testing environments, test assembly techniques, and advanced statistics to ensure rigorous verification.

Communication theories, presentation design, technical writing, and technical documentation are used to convey detailed information to specialized and general audiences.

Verification and validation activities are tied to systems engineering practices, with program plans developed, acquisition life cycles understood, and cross-functional coordination enabled.

Program plans, requirements, and risks are managed using reliability and safety principles, requirements analysis, and tailored strategies led with structured methodologies.

Basic financial knowledge supports small team leadership, operations research principles, complex procurement tasks, proposal creation, and schedule oversight.

Procurement strategies, vendor evaluations, supplier performance analysis, and contract management practices are handled to align technical goals with acquisition processes.

Simple control systems are designed using standard techniques, diagrams, and specifications, with basic algorithms implemented to meet system performance targets.

Requirements are elicited, prioritized, and documented using standard templates to translate stakeholder needs into actionable engineering specifications.

CFD principles are navigated within software interfaces, and simulations are set up and run to evaluate design alternatives and support engineering judgments.

Structural analysis models are set up and run, results are interpreted, and engineering judgment is applied to validate designs against expected conditions.

Requirements

Fifteen (15) or more years of mechanical engineering experience is required.

A Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university is required; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Positive, cooperative, self-motivated, and professional behavior is expected at all times.

Contribution as necessary is required to achieve team objectives and project milestones.

U.S. security clearance eligibility must be obtained and maintained.

U.S. Person status is required to comply with ITAR and EAR export regulations.

Approximately 10% travel is required for role responsibilities.

Practical notes

This position requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or protected individual status under ITAR/EAR rules.

Work is primarily conducted in a Reno, NV based environment with limited travel to support program needs.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

The role focuses on mechanical design, analysis, and testing for defense and space programs.

Common engineering tools include CAD, simulation software, and data acquisition systems.

The work involves high responsibility with strict compliance and safety standards.

Team collaboration is essential across engineering, test, and procurement functions.

The environment emphasizes precision, reliability, and continuous improvement in mission-critical solutions.