Principal Mechanical Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in California to lead mechanical design, testing and packaging for high-altitude aerospace electronics. You will oversee development, ensure environmental ruggedness and reliability, and guide a team on complex mechanical solutions.

The role requires 12–15 years in mechanical engineering, with 7+ years in production-ready rotating electrical machines and assemblies for aerospace. Strong CAD/CAE expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required or equivalent.
• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience, with at least 7 years in production rotating electrical machines and aerospace packaging solutions.
• Experience developing mechanical subsystems per MIL-STD 961D or equivalent.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools: SolidWorks, ANSYS, ANSYS Icepack.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal, structural, dynamic, and fluid analysis for electronics equipment.
• Lead testing and data collection in lab and field.
• Model mechanical devices and select materials.
• Develop drawings, tolerances, assembly instructions, and test procedures.
• Implement test plans to verify designs and sponsor independent problem solving.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ANSYS Icepack

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Principal Mechanical Engineer applies engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanically functioning equipment. In this role, The Sr. Staff Mechanical Engineer leads in the mechanical design, testing, and production of electrical machines as well as the design of electronics packaging for high altitude aerospace applications. One leads the mechanical packaging development effort for electronic equipment that withstand stringent environmental requirements (i.e., mass, volume, thermal, vibration). Manages mid-size development projects outsourced to sub-contractors (development of a system, equipment or components).Position ResponsibilitiesLeads or supports the thermal, structural, dynamic, and fluid flow analysis efforts for electronics equipmentLeads the testing and data collection in the laboratory and the fieldModels the mechanical devices and selects the proper materialPerforms stress and fatigue analysis; Performs thermal analysis and selects bonding materialDevelops mechanical drawings and specifies the dimensional tolerancesDevelops and implements assembly instructions and test proceduresDevelops and implements test plans and test procedures to verify designsWorks on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining resultsActs independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.Other duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum 12 – 15 years of relevant technical experience in Mechanical Engineering, of which a minimum of 7 years in developing for production rotating electrical machines, electronics equipment packaging solution, and/or mechanical devices solutions for industrial and aerospace applicationsExperience developing requirements specification for mechanical subsystems and according to MIL-STD 961D standard or equivalentHas sufficient proficiency with the following CAD /CAE tools to perform one's position responsibilities:SolidWorks for mechanical modeling.ANSYS for structural and fatigue analysisANSYS Icepack for thermal analysis.Extensive experience with Solid WorksExtensive experience with designing electrical rotating machines for high-performance applicationsExtensive experience with thermal management tradeoffs and solutions as well as materials propertiesExperienced with bonding techniques for extreme environmental conditions using different adhesivesExperienced with manufacturing methodologies of electrical machines and with creating and maintaining product document treeExperience with creating and maintaining products bill of materials (BOM)Experience with test and measurement techniques, such as torque transducer calibration and instrumentation.Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesMS in Mechanical Engineering is preferredRecognition by a reputable international engineering society such as ASME at the senior membership level or higher is preferredDemonstrated familiarity with MIL-STD-810 or DO-160 and familiarity with MIL-STD 961D standards (or equivalent) for developing subsystem technical specificationsDemonstrated full understanding & knowledge of engineering principles in the technical discipline. Demonstrates ability to work independentlyEffectively articulates concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staffAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills (Verbal and written).Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office and production environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Special RequirementsU.S. Citizenship required. Presently holds or capable of obtaining a U.S. Security ClearanceOccasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$147,000 - $224,250AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement:This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AV:AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizenship required