Principal Mechanical Engineer, Control Actuation Systems

Date Posted: 2026-08-11 | Location: Tucson, AZ (3360 E Hemisphere Loop, BLDG M10) | Role Type: Onsite

Active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

About the Role

The Precision Control Actuation System (PCAS) department is seeking a mechanical engineer to support the development, build, and verification of control actuation systems. This role involves providing mechanical engineering support across various Integrated Product Teams, with responsibilities that may include detailed mechanical design, earned value management, test design and execution, and systems engineering. The position requires flexibility to adapt to the organization's evolving needs and skill sets.

At this level, you will work autonomously, contribute expert-level knowledge in control mechanism development, and assist in developing strategic vision for the PCAS organization. The role offers hands-on hardware experience, including engineering builds, hardware integration, tuning, and verification, within a strong technical learning environment supported by engineering fellows and subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support for control actuation systems, including detailed mechanical design, earned value management, test design, and systems engineering.
• Develop strategic vision for functional and organizational strategies within the PCAS organization.
• Participate in lab activities such as engineering builds, hardware integration, tuning, and verification.
• Flex responsibilities based on organizational needs and individual skill sets.
• Deconstruct higher-level tasks into discrete work packages and tasks.
• Apply expertise in servo controls, CAS requirements, architecture, verification, validation, and system performance.

Requirements

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical engineering design.
• Active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance (required prior to start date).
• U.S. citizenship (required for security clearance eligibility).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with systems or mechanical engineering of servo controls.
• Development of CAS requirements, architecture, risk assessment, verification, validation, and compliance.
• Experience with control actuation systems using permanent magnet brush and brushless DC motor technology.
• Expertise in feedback control systems, including sizing, testing, integration, design-for-manufacturing, and kinematic/dynamic simulation.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to generate free body diagrams and apply engineering processes/procedures.
• Moderate 3D modeling skills using commercial software (e.g., Pro/Engineer/CREO).
• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, and dSpace.
• Design and manufacturing knowledge in machined parts, injection molded parts, hobbing, broaching, sheet metal fabrication, BLDC motors, wire/flex harnesses, and corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., steels, aluminum alloys).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee Scholar Program (education support).
• Parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (dependent on role and performance).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 USD. The final offer considers factors such as role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.