Principal Mechanical Engineer
$150,000–$190,000 year
On-site · San Diego, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead a small team of Mechanical Engineers to design, analyze, and deploy complex communications devices and integrated systems for defense programs.Responsibilities include mechanical design and drawings, simulation (FEA, thermal, CFD), EMI/EMC/TEMPEST compliance, vendor coordination, cross-functional integration of hardware, software, and networks, test planning and execution, documentation, and mentoring junior engineers. Drive architecture decisions, ensure product performance and reliability, and contribute to long-term roadmaps and IP development. Must be a nimble self-starter with a focus on rigorous engineering and mission-driven delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 15-20 years of experience in mechanical design and systems integration
- Experience leading a team of mechanical engineers
- Advanced skills with Solidworks and Solidworks Simulation (FEA, thermal, CFD)
- Experience with EMI/EMC and TEMPEST requirements
- Experience with analytical methods including FEA, thermal analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and failure mode analysis
- Ability to coordinate with electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
- US Citizenship required; willingness/ability to obtain a Secret clearance
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced defense-focused environment
- Experience with prototypes, testing, validation, and design verification activities
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Mentorship of junior engineers
- Product development and IP-related activities
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