Principal Mechanical Engineer

Textron; Cockeysville (MD); On-site; USD 159,000 - 244,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Education assistance

Wellness program

Health benefits

Job summary

Textron Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead design and lifecycle development of mechanical systems for uncrewed air and land platforms. You’ll craft rugged chassis, mobility subsystems, payload integration, and hardened enclosures while coordinating with suppliers and internal teams.

The role requires U.S. citizenship, the ability to obtain a Secret clearance, and up to 15% travel. Senior engineers with aerospace/defense robotics backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 15–20+ years in mechanical design for aerospace/defense robotics or automotive sectors.
• Experience designing ruggedized ground vehicles, UAS platforms, or robotic systems.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (NX/SolidWorks) and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for air and ground vehicle structures, payload mounts, enclosures, and subsystems for autonomous platforms.
• Create Technical Data Packages including 3D models, drawings, specs, and BOMs for prototype and production hardware.
• Produce and review mechanical drawings supporting manufacturing, testing, and sustainment.

Skills

Military-grade experience

Mechanical design

Cargo and rover systems

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Job description

Job Description - Principal Mechanical Engineer (345841)

Principal Mechanical Engineer (345841)

Who We Are

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

This role is in Textron System’s Uncrewed Land & Air Systems business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About This Role

Textron Systems is seeking a full ‑ time Principal Mechanical Engineer to support the design, integration, and lifecycle development of mechanical systems for uncrewed air and land platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience creating robust mechanical solutions for ruggedized autonomous systems, including chassis structures, mobility subsystems, airframe components, payload integration, and environmentally hardened enclosures. This role requires strong communication skills, regular collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and the ability to balance rapid prototyping needs with long ‑ term production readiness. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a Secret ‑ level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for air and ground vehicle structures, payload mounts, enclosures, and actuation subsystems that support autonomous vehicles.
• Create complete Technical Data Packages, including 3D models, drawings, specifications, and bills of materials, for both prototype and production hardware.
• Produce and review high ‑ quality mechanical and electromechanical assembly drawings that support manufacturing, testing, and sustainment activities.
• Support transition of designs through build, integration, verification, and production, including hands ‑ on troubleshooting and supplier coordination.
• Draft clear technical documentation, system descriptions, and proposal inputs to support internal reviews and customer deliverables.
• Prepare design reports, trade studies, and presentations summarizing analysis, test results, and recommendations for vehicle and subsystem improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 15-20+ years of relevant mechanical design experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or automotive sectors.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical components or systems for ruggedized ground vehicles, UAS platforms, robotic systems, or other systems operating in demanding environmental conditions.
• Experience contributing to vehicle ‑ level integration efforts, such as structural analysis, payload or sensor integration, environmental sealing, and airframe/vehicle layout.
• Familiarity with materials, joining methods, and manufacturing processes relevant to both prototype development and scalable production for mission ‑ critical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design (preferably Siemens NX or SolidWorks) and application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to ensure producible, repeatable mechanical designs.
• Ability to develop system ‑ level specifications, mass property reports, and structured mechanical documentation to support design reviews and configuration management.
• Experience working within digital engineering environments (NX, Teamcenter) to generate, release, and maintain product definitions.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

How We Care

At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

- Flexible Work Schedules

- Education Assistance

- Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)

- Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding

Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country.We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 15-20+ years of relevant mechanical design experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or automotive sectors.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical components or systems for ruggedized ground vehicles, UAS platforms, robotic systems, or other systems operating in demanding environmental conditions.
• Experience contributing to vehicle ‑ level integration efforts, such as structural analysis, payload or sensor integration, environmental sealing, and airframe/vehicle layout.
• Familiarity with materials, joining methods, and manufacturing processes relevant to both prototype development and scalable production for mission ‑ critical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design (preferably Siemens NX or SolidWorks) and application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to ensure producible, repeatable mechanical designs.
• Ability to develop system ‑ level specifications, mass property reports, and structured mechanical documentation to support design reviews and configuration management.
• Experience working within digital engineering environments (NX, Teamcenter) to generate, release, and maintain product definitions.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

How We Care

At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

- Flexible Work Schedules

- Education Assistance

- Career Development & Training Opportunities

- Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)

- Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding

- Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country.We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is $158,500 - $243,700 per year.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.