Amentum is seeking a skilled and driven Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team based in Houston, TX. This is a design-focused role that spans the full product lifecycle - from early concept development through hardware fabrication, installation, and on-site operation. The ideal candidate is a licensed or degree-qualified mechanical or aerospace engineer who brings deep expertise in mechanical systems design, structural analysis, and high-pressure fluid systems, and who communicates and collaborates effectively across engineering and operations teams.

This position offers the opportunity to lead and participate in design reviews, work alongside vendors to bring hardware from drawing to reality and provide direct technical support during field installation and testing. If you are looking for a role where your engineering decisions have real, visible consequences on mission-critical systems, this is the opportunity for you.

This team supports multiple US Navy research and development facilities associated with top priority submarine weapon system development programs. The facilities are one-of-a-kind and provide a capability not found anywhere else in the DoD. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and is willing to tackle problems that span the hardware lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical Design & Analysis

• Lead mechanical design efforts from concept development through detailed design, fabrication support, and on-site commissioning.

• Develop and review engineering drawings, models, and specifications using CAD and solid modeling software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent).

• Perform structural analysis to validate designs meet strength, fatigue, and safety requirements under operational loading conditions.

• Evaluate designs for manufacturability, maintainability, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.

• Drive projects through the full lifecycle - from initial concept and requirements definition through fabrication, installation, testing, and operational turnover.

High-Pressure & Fluid Systems

• Apply engineering expertise in high-pressure air and hydraulic systems, including component selection, system layout, pressure calculations, and safety system design.

• Review and develop P&IDs, hydraulic schematics, and fluid system drawings to support design and fabrication activities.

• Conduct and support pressure system design reviews in accordance with applicable standards (ASME, ANSI, or program-specific requirements).

• Troubleshoot high-pressure and hydraulic system anomalies in both design and field environments, identifying root cause and driving corrective actions.

Design Review & Work Package Support

• Lead and actively participate in formal design reviews (PDR, CDR, and peer reviews), ensuring technical rigor, safety compliance, and design completeness.

• Review work packages, installation procedures, and test plans to confirm accuracy, completeness, and alignment with engineering intent prior to field execution.

• Evaluate proposed design changes and engineering change orders for technical feasibility, safety impact, and compliance.

• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to translate requirements into robust, producible designs.

Vendor Coordination & Fabrication Support

• Work directly with vendors and fabricators to communicate design intent, clarify technical requirements, and ensure hardware is manufactured to specification.

• Review vendor submittals, fabrication drawings, and material certifications to verify conformance with design requirements.

• Support procurement activities by developing specifications, statements of work, and technical evaluation criteria for hardware and services.

• Coordinate factory acceptance testing and witness inspections as required to validate hardware quality prior to delivery.

Technical Reporting & Documentation

• Write and review technical reports documenting hardware performance, design analyses, test results, and issue identification and resolution.

• Produce clear, accurate engineering documentation including design memos, field reports, and lessons-learned summaries for program records.

• Maintain configuration control discipline for design documents, drawings, and associated technical data packages.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate proactively with project managers, fellow engineers, field technicians, and operations staff to plan and execute work efficiently.

• Communicate technical findings, project status, and risk items clearly and concisely to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders.

• Serve as a technical resource and collaborative partner across disciplines, fostering a team environment built on transparency and shared accountability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar) from an ABET-accredited institution.

• Minimum 15 years of mechanical engineering experience encompassing design, analysis, and project lifecycle management.

• Proficiency with CAD and solid modeling software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or similar).

• Demonstrated experience performing structural analysis and interpreting results to inform design decisions.

• Strong ability to read and produce engineering drawings, specifications, and work procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey technical content clearly to diverse audiences and produce professional engineering documentation.

• Ability to work in field environments, including industrial and outdoor settings, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with high-pressure air and/or hydraulic system design, including familiarity with applicable ASME or ANSI standards.

• Background in aerospace, defense, shipboard, or energy sector programs.

• Experience leading design reviews (PDR/CDR) and managing hardware through formal change control processes.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is a plus.

• Familiarity with vendor management, fabrication oversight, and factory acceptance testing.

• Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers or technicians.

Security & Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S government security clearance. Note:  US Citizenship is required to obtain a U.S government security clearance.

Work Environment:

• This position is based in Houston, TX. Travel expected is approximately 33% of working time and is typically planned well in advance.

• The role involves a blend of office-based design and analysis work with periodic field presence during installation, testing, and commissioning activities, requiring the ability to work in varied environments including industrial and outdoor settings.