Sr. Design Engineer

Job Description: This Senior Design Engineer role focuses on the design and development of high-reliability electro-mechanical components, connectors, cable assemblies, and interconnect systems for aerospace, defense, space, and industrial applications. You will lead projects from initial concept through production release, create detailed 3D models and drawings, and ensure designs meet performance, cost, manufacturability, and schedule requirements. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with customers and cross-functional teams while contributing to a stable organization that invests in employee development and shares profits.

Responsibilities: Lead the design, development, and qualification of high-reliability interconnect solutions, including connectors, backshells, cable assemblies, and electromechanical components. Design and develop electro-mechanical components, connectors, cable assemblies, and interconnect systems that meet aerospace, defense, space, and industrial application requirements. Generate detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation using SolidWorks or similar CAD software. Perform tolerance stack-up analyses and apply GD&T to ensure robust, manufacturable designs that meet functional and reliability requirements. Conduct design-for-manufacturing (DFM) evaluations to optimize designs for cost-effective and efficient production. Manage products through the complete development lifecycle, including concept generation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and production release. Conduct root cause investigations for design-related issues and implement effective corrective actions. Interface directly with customers to understand technical requirements and develop engineered solutions that align with their needs. Work closely with manufacturing engineering to improve production processes, tooling, yield, and overall product quality. Support qualification testing activities, including environmental, vibration, and thermal testing, as well as failure analysis. Review engineering changes, specifications, drawings, and customer requirements to ensure compliance, feasibility, and alignment with project objectives. Mentor junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and offer leadership on complex design projects. Evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods to enhance product performance and cost competitiveness. Participate in design reviews and present clear, data-driven technical recommendations to internal stakeholders and customers. Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product management, and sales teams to deliver innovative products that meet performance, cost, manufacturability, and schedule targets.

Essential Skills: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.5+ years of mechanical product design experience within aerospace, defense, connectors, cable assemblies, electromechanical systems, or related manufacturing environments. Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks and 3D CAD modeling for components, assemblies, and detailed drawings. Strong understanding of GD&T, geometric tolerancing, and core mechanical design principles. Experience designing machined, molded, stamped, or electro-mechanical components. Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly operations. Familiarity with product qualification testing and relevant military and aerospace standards. Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional activities and meet schedule commitments. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills for internal and customer-facing interactions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications: Experience working on high-reliability interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense, space, or industrial applications. Background in mechanical design of connectors, backshells, and cable assemblies. Experience collaborating with manufacturing, quality, product management, and sales teams on complex engineering programs. Ability to lead design reviews and articulate technical recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior engineers. Interest in evaluating and implementing new materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods to improve product performance and cost. Motivation to grow professionally in an environment that emphasizes employee development and profit sharing. Appreciation for working in a stable organization with a history of avoiding layoffs.

Work Environment: This role operates in a production, assembly, and manufacturing environment focused on electro-mechanical and interconnect products. You will work closely with manufacturing and engineering teams on the shop floor and in office settings, using SolidWorks and other engineering tools to support design and development activities. The environment emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and product quality, with access to testing and qualification facilities for environmental, vibration, and thermal evaluations. The organization offers a stable workplace, invests in employee development, and provides profit sharing as part of its culture of shared success.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale, CA.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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) Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Glendale, CA.Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.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 Clearly Rated 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.