Principal Mechanical Engineer

Our client is a high-growth defense technology company developing advanced, software-defined directed energy systems designed to address emerging threats and support the future of national security.

We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join an innovative team working at the forefront of next-generation defense technology.

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the design and development of complex mechanical systems, driving engineering solutions from concept through to detailed design, integration, testing and production. This is an opportunity to tackle challenging technical problems and help deliver cutting-edge defence systems.

• Own mechanical architecture and design for complex electronic systems, including RF phased-array structures, enclosures, mechanisms, and mounting assemblies.
• Lead mechanical product development from initial concept through CAD design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production.
• Translate system-level objectives into clear mechanical requirements, including load cases, weight budgets, and interface definitions.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses to support design verification and environmental qualification, including shock, vibration, and dynamic loading.
• Develop detailed CAD models, manufacturing drawings, tolerance analyses, and GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Develop mechanical interconnect solutions, including harnesses and cable assemblies, for large-scale integrated electronic systems.
• Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies, tools, and design practices to improve system performance, reliability, and development efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership, present design solutions during engineering reviews, and mentor junior engineers while supporting continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, with ownership across the product development lifecycle.
• Expert proficiency in Solid Works or an equivalent mechanical CAD package, with practical experience applying GD&T.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanisms, and mechanical design fundamentals.
• Experience with basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural and thermal hand calculations.
• Demonstrated ability to assemble prototypes and first-article builds, including testing, troubleshooting, and minor fabrication.

The position offers the opportunity to take significant ownership of mechanical architecture and contribute directly to the development of advanced, high-performance defense systems, helping take complex designs from early-stage concepts through testing, qualification, and production.