Defense System Architect: Mechanical Engineer

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 154,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced System Architect Mechanical Engineer in Huntsville, AL to lead multi-disciplinary defense programs across design, production, integration, and testing. You will direct subsystem leads, IPT leads, and specialty engineers, guiding technical work based on cost, schedule, risk, and requirements.

You will mentor technical staff and clearly communicate progress to senior leadership and government stakeholders, balancing performance with schedule and budget constraints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Masters + 15 years of progressive engineering experience (or Bachelors + 17 years experience).
• Proven success leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams through development, integration, test, and production
• Strong technical judgment, with the ability to communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Hands‑on experience with design reviews (PDR/CDR), configuration management, and risk management
• Active DoD security clearance, or eligibility to obtain
• Resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams to design, manufacture, and deliver complex defense systems
• Own the technical baseline across all lifecycle stages—engineering execution, system performance, and requirements compliance
• Balance technical solutions against cost and schedule constraints
• Direct subsystem leads, IPT leads, and specialty engineers to drive design maturity, integration, and risk mitigation
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities
• Communicate technical progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership and government stakeholders
• Mentor and develop technical staff, fostering innovation, rigor, and collaboration

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Design reviews (PDR/CDR)

Risk management

Communication to leadership

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Master’s degree or 17 years experience alternative

Job description

Leidos is seeking an experienced System Architect Mechanical Engineer in Huntsville, AL to lead multi-disciplinary defense programs across design, production, integration, and testing. You will direct subsystem leads, IPT leads, and specialty engineers, guiding technical work based on cost, schedule, risk, and requirements.

You will mentor technical staff and clearly communicate progress to senior leadership and government stakeholders, balancing performance with schedule and budget constraints.