Mechanical Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corp; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with 150% match

Life insurance

3 weeks PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corp in Wichita, KS is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for aerospace and defense applications. You will perform analyses, develop test plans, and ensure proper documentation.

The role requires a solid background in mechanical design, CAD/CAE tools, and the ability to guide cross‑functional teams while mentoring junior engineers. A Secret security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles and CAD software.
• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools and multi‑disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems and components.
• Perform complex analyses and simulations to validate and optimize designs.
• Develop and oversee the execution of detailed test plans and procedures.
• Review and approve technical documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful integration of mechanical systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

CAD software

Engineering principles

CAE tools

Multidisciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

CATIA/3DEXPERIENCE

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end‑to‑end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC‑led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next‑generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.

Do you enjoy designing and developing innovative solutions to solve tough problems? Join our team to deliver technological solutions in a rapid and agile production environment. As a Mechanical Engineer III, you will lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of advanced mechanical systems for aerospace and defense applications. This role requires in‑depth expertise in mechanical engineering and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems and components.
• Perform complex analyses and simulations to validate and optimize designs.
• Develop and oversee the execution of detailed test plans and procedures.
• Review and approve technical documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful integration of mechanical systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles and computer‑aided design (CAD) software.
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary design and development teams
• Experience with CATIA/3DEXPERIENCE

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Understanding of applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• Knowledge of industry‑standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model‑based definition, material hardware selection, manufacturing, and production processes
• Knowledge of environmental requirements for components utilized in aircraft and space applications
• Experience providing technical guidance to a diverse team of engineers on issues related to mechanical engineering
• Experience with manufacturing, production, and product support to include disposition of engineering non‑conformances
• Familiarity with FAA , NASA, and/or DoD design and construction regulations

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Applying systematic and logical problem‑solving techniques to develop mechanical designs
• Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management
• Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Important Notice

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission‑focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state‑of‑the‑art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.