Senior Mechanical Engineer

SAIC; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Huntsville, AL to lead design and analysis of complex mechanical systems for a critical air defense program.

The role requires 10–15 years of experience, 3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks), and the ability to collaborate across electrical, software and systems teams while meeting MIL-STD requirements and program milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with strong emphasis on design, analysis and testing.
• 10-15 years of experience in mechanical design, analysis and testing for mission-critical or complex systems.
• Proficiency in MIL-STD and regulatory codes; strong documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical docs and presentations; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design and analysis of complex mechanical systems and components.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure performance and compliance.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations to optimize designs.
• Assist with system integration, prototyping, testing, and validation of designs.
• Develop detailed design documentation, models, drawings, and manuals.
• Provide input on project reports and participate in design reviews and customer meetings.

Skills

Mechanical design

Finite element analysis

MIL-STD knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required None

Job ID 2615828

Location Huntsville, AL, US

Date Posted 2026-08-18

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Mechanical Engr

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 25% of the time

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Secret

Potential for Remote Work ORA_HYBRID

SAIC is seeking a skilled Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, AL and provide technical expertise in designing, developing, and implementing complex mechanical systems for a reconfigurable air defense project. This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a passion for solving challenging technical problems, and the ability to contribute in a cross functional team environment. The ideal candidate will bring 10-15 years of professional experience, advanced engineering knowledge, and a proven ability to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-paced, high-impact project.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design and Analysis
• Design and develop complex mechanical systems and components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineers) to ensure the mechanical design meets the performance, reliability, and environmental requirements.
• Perform engineering calculations as applicable and other simulations to optimize designs.
• System Integration and Prototyping
• Assist with the integration of mechanical systems into larger hardware and software systems to ensure seamless functionality and compliance with program requirements.
• Assist with prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs to ensure performance meets required specifications.
• Compliance and Standards
• Ensure designs comply with industry and government standards (i.e. MIL-STD) and other relevant specifications.
• Prepare technical data, presentations, and reports for formal design reviews.
• Collaboration and Project Support
• Interface with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, software, and systems engineers, to achieve system-level objectives.
• Collaborate with program managers, suppliers, and customers to ensure project alignment with objectives and deliverables.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Develop detailed design documentation, including models and drawings, and technical manuals.
• Provide input on project reports and presentations to share progress, risks, and recommendations with stakeholders.
• Technical Leadership and Mentorship
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams, ensuring high-quality work and fostering professional growth.
• Engage in technical discussions with stakeholders and represent SAIC at design reviews and customer meetings.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution and nine (9) years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing, with a focus on mission-critical or complex systems. Six (6) years' additional experience can be considered in lieu of degree (per contract vehicle).

Clearance Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance; U.S. Citizenship is required.

Required Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing, with a focus on mission-critical or complex systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or similar platforms.
• Expertise in material selection, structural design, and dynamics analysis.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory codes (i.e. MIL-STD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, presentations, and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance or higher.
• Hands-on experience with full lifecycle mechanical system development, from concept to deployment.
• Familiarity with thermal management systems, heat exchangers, or energy-efficient system designs.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and emerging fabrication technologies.