Mechanical Engineer

US DEFENSE LABS is a growing defense technology company advancing energetic materials, propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation defense solutions. We support government customers and defense primes in delivering mission-critical capabilities through research, development, engineering, and real-world deployment.

Our team works closely with military and government partners to develop, demonstrate, and transition technologies that address evolving defense and national security requirements.

Based in the Rochester, New York area, US DEFENSE LABS is built on technical excellence, collaboration, and results driven mindset.

This position requires access to ITAR controlled technical data. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. person under 22

CFR 120.62, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and protected individuals as defined at 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

US DEFENSE LABS is looking for an experienced, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to support the development, testing, manufacturing, and transition of advanced defense technologies.

Engineers at US DEFENSE LABS work across disciplines and contribute directly to hands-on research, development, prototyping, testing, and problem-solving. This role requires someone who can independently move a technical problem from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, electromechanical integration, troubleshooting, and testing.

This is not a design role. The right person will be comfortable moving between CAD, the machine shop, mechanical and electrical systems, prototype builds, and hands-on testing. We are looking for someone with experience and technical judgment to take ownership of engineering problems and move the work forward with limited technical oversight.

We value demonstrated capability as much as a traditional career path. We will consider relevant military, technical, manufacturing, and hands-on engineering experience alongside formal engineering education.

• Own engineering work from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and iteration
• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, experimental equipment, and prototype hardware
• Personally fabricate, modify, assemble, and troubleshoot physical hardware using mill, lathe, and common machine-shop and fabrication tools
• Integrate mechanical components with electrical, electronic, sensor, instrumentation, and other electromechanical systems
• Apply engineering analysis, experimentation, data review, and troubleshooting to solve technical and manufacturing challenges
• Develop test setups, conduct hands-on testing, evaluate results, and modify designs based on test outcomes
• Work with scientists, technicians, and engineers to transition technical concepts into functional prototypes and practical solutions
• Prepare engineering specifications, procedures, technical reports, and program documentation
• Support laboratory, manufacturing, and field testing activities
• Communicate technical findings, challenges, and recommendations to internal leadership, government partners, and industry partners

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field or equivalent technical/military experience
• 5+ years of relevant hands-on engineering experience preferred, with demonstrated ability to independently own technical work
• Experience taking hardware from concept/design through fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and test
• Hands-on experience with mill, lathe, machine-shop tools, and fabrication
• Practical experience working with electrical and electromechanical systems
• U.S. citizenship and ability to work onsite in Rochester, NY

• Ability to translate technical concepts and requirements into practical designs, prototypes, and working hardware
• Ability to take ownership of open-ended technical problems and move them through the engineering lifecycle
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality, safety, and technical rigor
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing technical and program requirements

• Experience with advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, propulsion, energetic materials, or defense…