Job Title: Piping Engineer - Mechanical / Thermo-StructuralJob Description The Piping Engineer - Mechanical / Thermo-Structural designs and analyzes complex mechanical systems, with a strong focus on piping systems for high-pressure tunnel systems used in hypersonics testing. This role combines task leadership and hands-on engineering, translating customer requirements into detailed, manufacturable designs that meet stringent codes and standards. The engineer develops custom hardware such as piping systems, pressure vessels, test fixtures, mechanical assemblies, and weldments, while collaborating closely with cross‑disciplinary teams to ensure robust design integration and high technical standards. Responsibilities + Lead assigned engineering tasks and ensure technical rigor, due diligence, and adherence to applicable codes and standards throughout the design and analysis process. + Design custom piping systems for high-pressure tunnel systems used in hypersonics testing, including systems for high pressure, low pressure, water, gas, fuel, and other media. + Develop and refine mechanical and structural hardware designs such as pressure vessels, piping assemblies, test fixtures, mechanical assemblies, and weldments. + Analyze piping and mechanical systems to verify code compliance, structural integrity, and performance using hand calculations and appropriate engineering software. + Perform structural, thermo-structural, aerothermal, and flow analyses using hand calculations, including work in MathCAD, and relevant analysis tools. + Translate customer requirements and test needs into detailed, manufacturable designs and engineering documentation. + Develop and review design documentation, including technical reports, engineering calculations, drawings, and presentations that clearly communicate design intent and analysis results. + Review and critique work produced by internal team members, interns, and third‑party engineers to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance with standards. + Present designs, analysis results, and project progress to customers and stakeholders, incorporating feedback into subsequent design iterations. + Collaborate with designers and operators to ensure designs are manufacturable, maintainable, and well integrated with test facility operations. + Apply relevant engineering codes and standards, including ASME B31.3, AISC 360-10, AWS D1.1, and related industry standards, to piping and structural designs. + Mentor junior engineers by providing hands‑on guidance in engineering processes, problem‑solving approaches, and critical thinking. + Contribute to a highly technical, fast‑paced, and collaborative culture focused on hypersonics and advanced test systems. Essentithe person Skills + 5+ years of relevant experience in mechanical or piping engineering, including design and analysis of piping systems. + Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related field; a BS in Mechanical Engineering is strongly relevant (equivalent experience may be accepted). + Demonstrated experience designing piping systems for high-pressure applications, such as tunnel systems for hypersonics testing, and for various media including high pressure, low pressure, water, gas, and fuel. + Strong proficiency in piping design and mechanical design, with the ability to translate functional requirements into detailed, manufacturable designs. + Experience analyzing piping and mechanical systems for code compliance and performance, using both hand calculations and engineering software. + Proficiency with MathCAD for engineering hand calculations and documentation. + Familiarity with CAD modeling, drawing development, and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). + Experience applying engineering codes and standards such as ASME B31.3, AISC 360-10, AWS D1.1, and related industry standards. + Ability to obtain or hold a Secret DoD security clearance. + Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical material clearly to customers and internal stakeholders. + Ability to lead tasks, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team. Additionthe person Skills & Quthe personifications + Background in nuclear industry applications is highly relevant and considered a strong asset. + Experience in the oil and gas industry is also highly relevant and beneficial for this role. + Desired experience with analysis tools such as ANSYS or ABAQUS for structural and thermo-structural analysis. + Desired experience with piping and fluid network analysis tools such as CAESAR, AFT Fathom, and AFT Arrow. + Experience working directly with government or defense-related customers is advantageous. + Prior experience in hypersonics, high-speed flow, or advanced test facilities is a plus. + Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and support their technical development. + Strong problem‑solving skills and critical thinking, with a focus on high technical standards and continuous improvement. Work Environment This role is based on-site in Huntsville, Alabama, working as part of a dedicated wind tunnel and hypersonics test engineering group. The immediate project team consists of approximately eight engineers within a broader wind tunnel group of around twenty engineers, providing a close-knit yet technically diverse environment. The work focuses on high-pressure tunnel systems for hypersonics testing, involving advanced mechanical, structural, and piping design and analysis. Engineers use modern engineering tools and software, including CAD platforms, MathCAD, and analysis tools such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, CAESAR, AFT Fathom, and AFT Arrow, in a highly technical and collaborative setting. The organization offers a flexible work schedule with core hours from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., supporting a strong work-life balance. The culture emphasizes cutting-edge, technically challenging work, direct interaction with government customers, and significant opportunities for learning and professional growth, within a fun yet competitive environment that maintains high technical standards. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $87.00/hr. 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 Type This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.