Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work model

Life insurance

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead advanced design and analysis for ISR/aerospace programs in a hybrid setting across Plano, TX and Wichita, KS. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, drive innovative mechanical solutions, and mentor engineers to deliver high-performance systems.

A PhD is preferred with 14+ years of experience; familiarity with CAE tools and GD&T is essential, and eligibility for U.S. security clearance is required for the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 14+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.
• PhD in a related field.
• Published research or recognized contributions in mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for mechanical engineering initiatives and projects.
• Develop and implement innovative mechanical solutions for aerospace applications.
• Mentor senior engineers and oversee complex projects.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design

Engineering analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

CAx/CAE tools

Job description

## Principal Mechanical EngineerApply: Hybrid or in office: Plano, TX: Wichita, KS: Full time: Posted Today: R0030824The 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide visionary leadership in mechanical engineering, driving innovative solutions for aerospace and defense applications. You will oversee critical projects, mentor senior engineers, and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making**Responsibilities:*** Lead strategic planning for mechanical engineering initiatives and projects.* Develop and implement innovative mechanical solutions.* Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to senior engineers.* Oversee the execution of critical and complex mechanical engineering projects.* Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.* Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive engineering excellence.**Qualifications You Must Have:*** Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.* 14+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.* Extensive experience in advanced mechanical design and analysis principles.* PhD in a related field.* Recognized contributions to the field of mechanical engineering with published research.* Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices* Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools* Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams**Qualifications We Prefer:*** PhD in a related field.* Recognized contributions to the field of mechanical engineering* Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5* Experience in Engineering Simulation such as Finite Element structural Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Thermal Analysis* Experience 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* Experience 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 annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.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 Top 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.