Lead Mechanical Engineer - Directed Energy

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Directed Energy

Requisition Number: 29065

Required Travel: 0 - 10%

Employment Type:

Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $ - $

Security Clearance:
Ability to Obtain

Level of

Experience:

Senior

This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5

ISR systems.

HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.

HII, Mission Technologies has an opportunity available for a Lead Mechanical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced mechanical systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that mechanical designs—including structural components, thermal management systems, precision assemblies, and packaging solutions—translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will excel at computer-aided mechanical engineering design, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.

• Lead computer-aided mechanical engineering design for structural components, power electronics, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, and mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
• Direct design efforts for structural components, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, mechanical and electro‑mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
• Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
• Translate requirements into polished 2D/3D CAD models using Solid Works.
• Perform and oversee fundamental engineering analysis (stress, thermal, vibration, fluid dynamics).
• Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical systems and prototypes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.

• Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
• Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers and program management.
• Interface with manufacturing to optimize designs for fabrication.
• Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.
• Identify, articulate, and manage risks across mechanical, structural, and thermal systems.
• Solve complex engineering problems in fast‑paced environments with evolving requirements.
• Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.

• Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications.
• Review and approve documentation from junior team members.

• Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.

• 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field.
• High-level of proficiency in Solid Works CAD for complex assemblies and systems.
• Extensive experience with GD&T, creating manufacturing‑ready drawings, and DFM principles.
• Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed designs.
• Ability to…