Rochester, NY | Full-Time | Onsite

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 22CFR 120.62, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and protected individuals as defined at 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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
Strong mechanical design/CAD skills
Practical experience working with electrical and electromechanical systems
U.S. citizenship and ability to work onsite in Rochester, NY

Required Skills/Abilities

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, propulsion, energetic materials, or defense technologies.
Experience supporting government, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated programs
Familiarity with engineering analysis, experimental design, data analysis, or process optimization
Experience working in a small company, startup R&D environment, or multidisciplinary technical team

Who Will Thrive at USDL

Engineers who thrive at US DEFENSE LABS are builders, problem solvers, and adaptable technical contributors who are energized by hands-on work and complex challenges. The right candidate is not needed in every area of our work, but should be willing and able to learn quickly, take ownership of technical problems, and contribute wherever needed.

Successful candidates will be comfortable moving between design work, hands-on fabrication, laboratory or manufacturing environments, testing, data analysis, and technical documentation. They will have the opportunity to work directly on advanced technologies supporting national defense, contribute to projects from concept through prototype and transition, and collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, government customers, and defense industry partners.

This role is best suited for someone who takes pride in solving difficult problems and wants their engineering work to contribute directly to mission critical capabilities and technologies that support the warfighter and national security.

Employment Type: Full time, onsite

Location: Rochester, New York

Salary Range: $78,671 - $145,405

Veterans and transitioning service members with relevant technical experience are encouraged to apply.

US DEFENSE LABS

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