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CoAspire · 1 week ago

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

0+ years exp

CoAspire is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. The Junior Mechanical Engineer will work directly on the production floor to drive assembly process optimization, cost reduction, and design-for-manufacturability improvements for weapon systems, while ensuring compliance with government standards.

ConsultingCyber SecurityInformation TechnologyInternet of Things

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Hiring Manager

Matt Fisher

Responsibilities

Participate and contribute to Design-for-Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) reviews and value engineering initiatives to simplify mechanical designs, standardize components, and reduce part count/SKU proliferation

Identify and qualify lower-cost alternative parts, connectors, cables, fasteners, and materials (COTS/MIL SPEC) that meet form/fit/function, environmental, and ITAR requirements while achieving reduced cost savings

Optimize assembly sequences, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions to cut assembly time, reduce labor hours, and improve first-pass yield on the production line

Perform root-cause analysis on production issues (fit issues, non-conformances, rework) and implement corrective actions, including ECNs and drawing updates

Collaborate with supply chain and suppliers on make-vs-buy decisions, vendor qualifications, and long-term agreements to secure cost-effective, reliable sources

Support and contribute to manufacturing bills of materials (MBOMs), routings, and process flow diagrams in the ERP system

Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analyses on an as-needed

Ensure all changes comply with AS9100D, ITAR, DFARS flow-downs, and any other company requirements

Qualification

Manufacturing EngineeringGD&T (ASME Y14.5)Cost Reduction ProgramsMechanical Engineering DegreeAerospace Materials KnowledgeData Presentation SkillsCommunicationTeam Collaboration

Required

0-8 years of hands-on manufacturing/process engineering experience in aerospace/defense production

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Proven track record of cost reduction and assembly time improvement programs (e.g., part standardization, connector/harness optimization, DFM-driven redesigns)

Expert in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), reading complex mechanical drawings, and releasing ECNs in PLM/ERP environments (e.g., WindChill)

Knowledge of aerospace materials, fasteners, connectors (MIL-DTL-38999, etc.), cable harnesses, and manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, composites, additive)

U.S. citizenship and current Secret clearance (or ability to obtain/maintain one)

Excellent communication and floor presence; comfortable presenting data-driven recommendations to leadership and suppliers