Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Miamisburg (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive pay

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with match

Paid time off (vacation)

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in the United States to lead mechanical engineering initiatives for airborne and defense applications. You will oversee complex projects, mentor senior engineers, and guide multi-disciplinary teams in advanced design and analysis activities.

The role emphasizes leadership in Aerial Refueling Systems, compliance with aerospace standards, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver secure and

Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Experience designing Aerial Refueling Systems.
• Experience using CATIA/3DExperience

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.
• Act as SAOC Aerial Refueling Technical Lead

Skills

Aerial Refueling Systems design

Advanced mechanical design

Engineering principles & practices

Multi-disciplinary teams

Mentorship/leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in related field (preferred)

Tools

CATIA/3DExperience

Job description

• Experience designing Aerial Refueling Systems

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 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.


• Act as SAOC Aerial Refueling Technical Lead

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.


• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices


• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams


• Experience designing Aerial Refueling Systems


• Experience using CATIA/3DExperience

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.

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.