Principal Mechanical Engineer

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in lasers and precision optics. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

This role is an on-site position based in Beavercreek, OH. Our Laser Systems Integration facility focuses on building high energy lasers for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation. At Attalon, we’re redefining performance, precision, and reliability in defense technologies.

A Principal ME will demonstrate expertise in the development of precision, opto-mechanical subsystems such as gimbaled telescopes, directed energy beam directors, positioning mechanisms, and integrated sensors, to be deployed in spaceborne, airborne, terrestrial, and seaborne environments. Responsibilities include generating detailed CAD models, overseeing structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses, characterizing system performance and tracking requirements, and preparing engineering documentation. This role requires close collaboration across disciplines to ensure all functional and performance requirements are met effectively.

Additionally, the Principal Mechanical Engineer will contribute to the design of tooling, as well as the creation of work instructions to support the assembly, integration, and testing of deliverable hardware. A Principal ME may also be asked to support proposal preparation and cost estimating for new projects and will be expected to work with program and functional leadership to direct the design efforts of a mechanical design team.

• Demonstrate technical leadership:
  Utilize expert-level knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and/or Opto-Mechanical Engineering to execute major development programs, lead and mentor cross‑functional teams, and drive design initiatives to achieve program goals.
• Own product design and development:
  Lead product design and process development activities, ensuring all designs and processes meet customer specifications, technical requirements, and functional performance standards.
• Develop and maintain system‑level CAD models:
  Oversee the creation and maintenance of system‑level CAD designs, including layout generation, component and assembly modeling, and detailed drawings to support manufacturing and integration.
• Conduct advanced analysis and verification:
  Perform or oversee structural, dynamic, shock, and thermal analyses such as FEA and STOP (using tools like Sigfit) to certify compliance with functional and performance requirements, ensuring designs meet mission‑critical standards.
• Collaborate with program management:
  Provide technical guidance and strategic input to program leaders, contributing to project planning and execution while adhering to financial targets and delivering cost and status updates as needed.
• Support manufacturing and operations:
  Partner with Manufacturing/Operations to implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) principles, ensuring products meet cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
• Participate in advanced technology development:
  Contribute to innovation by providing insights into new concepts and informing research and development activities to maintain a competitive edge in precision opto‑mechanical systems.
• Manage product configurations and changes:
  Participate in configuration control, change control, and material review processes (e.g., CCD, ECO, NOR, and RCN activities) to ensure traceability and maintain fidelity for assigned programs.

• Minimum ten years of related experience in a professional role with a Bachelor’s degree or related discipline.
• Minimum of seven years of experience with a Master’s degree or three years with a Ph.D. in a relevant field.

• Experience in optomechanical or…