Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

This role supports the agile development of innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions for U.S. defense agencies. The ideal candidate will lead the development and deployment of our multi-function network controller (CORE®) and Integrated Systems suite of products. The role requires a balance of discipline and innovation, focusing on mission-critical communications systems and ensuring the highest levels of availability, performance, and security.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Mechanical Engineers in the planning, design, analysis, and documentation of complex communications devices and integrated systems
• Implement mechanical systems, equipment, and packages for electronics
• Generate and review mechanical drawings
• Run advanced simulations on complex mechanical components and assemblies
• Interact with vendors to quote mechanical parts
• Participate in integrated product teams and engineering/design reviews
• Lead team members in the preparation of detail design, design testing, and prototype fabrication
• Lead integration between hardware, software, and network systems
• Conduct and support test planning, execution, and post event reporting
• Define electro-mechanical subsystem requirements and specifications
• Conduct research and analysis of system interface documents in order to define, document, and design system connections and architecture
• Manage workflows and task prioritization for junior Mechanical Engineers across multiple projects

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and 15-20 years of experience
• Technical Leadership
• Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of advanced mechanical systems and assemblies
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for mechanical design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, and system integration
• Drive technical decision-making and ensure alignment with product performance, reliability, and cost objectives
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines
• Experience with analysis needed for airworthiness artifacts
• Advanced skills with Solidworks Simulation analysis (or similar software)
• Experience designing for thermal constraints
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC and TEMPEST requirements
• Own complex projects from concept through production release
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses including FEA, thermal analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and failure mode analysis
• Oversee prototype builds, testing, validation, and design verification activities
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration
• Innovation & Strategy
• Identify new technologies, materials, and processes to improve product performance and manufacturability
• Contribute to long-term technical roadmaps and platform strategies
• Support intellectual property development including patents and technical publications
• Mentorship & Collaboration
• Mentor and develop junior and senior engineers
• Provide technical reviews and design approvals
• Influence engineering culture and continuous improvement initiatives
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and executive leadership on technical matters
• Able to operate effectively in a team environment as well as independently
• US Citizen
• Willingness and ability to obtain a secret clearance

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Employee coverage is fully funded; a portion of dependents' coverage is funded as well
• 11 paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Date of hire through second year: 10 days/year (accrued)
• After two years: unlimited
• 40 hours of paid sick leave per year
• 401k with employer matching
• Annual bonuses
• Cell phone reimbursement: $100/month