Principal Mechanical Engineer – Structural and Vibration Analyst

About the role

The Principal Mechanical Engineer – Analyst will lead the analysis of advanced hardware for military jet and rotary-wing aircraft. This role involves working on innovative technologies in AR, VR, and advanced optical sensor systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and mentor a team of Mechanical Analysis Engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Perform detailed structural, vibration, and modal analyses to ensure reliability and compliance with design and environmental requirements.
• Conduct shock and dynamic analyses, including steady-state and transient vibration regimes.
• Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses to evaluate system performance in highly dynamic fluid flow events.
• Develop finite element models and simulations using ANSYS Workbench, verifying analytical results through test data correlation.
• Analyze and design electronic packaging and structural components for extreme operational conditions.
• Work closely with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Product, and Systems Engineering teams to develop integrated, flight-qualified hardware.
• Ensure compliance with relevant military and aerospace standards, including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-516, AS9100, and MMPDS specifications.
• Support environmental test procedure development and assist in the execution and oversight of testing programs.
• Participate in design reviews, documentation generation, and technical reporting for internal and customer stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of successful team leadership, team building, and project leadership.
• 10+ years of experience in stress and structural analysis for aerospace or military systems.
• 10+ years of experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
• Proven experience in vibration and shock analyses, including steady-state and transient regimes.
• Experience with electronic packaging and structural integrity assessment for aerospace applications.
• Proven experience maintaining industrial design intent; ensuring that structural and thermal solutions align with aesthetic goals, user experience requirements, and product brand identity.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo or SolidWorks preferred) and other relevant engineering tools.
• Hands-on experience applying MIL-STD-810 and similar environmental test method standards.
• Familiarity with material, design, process, and quality specifications such as MMPDS and AS9100.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document and present technical findings effectively.

Qualifications

• Must be able to commute or move to Louisville, Colorado. On-site work required (relocation negotiable).
• Must have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in the design and analysis of military hardware for airborne or defense platforms.
• Experience designing and analyzing for weight reduction and structural optimization.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Workbench for structural, modal, and thermal analyses.
• Familiarity with aerospace and optical materials, including adhesives, composites, and coatings.
• Experience developing environmental testing procedures and overseeing qualification tests.
• Experience with AR/VR systems, optical sensors, and precision opto-mechanical alignment.