Principal Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems is seeking a principal mechanical engineer to lead mechanical design for rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies in aerospace and defense applications. You will design, analyze, and test hardware for harsh environments, mentoring juniors and collaborating across engineering teams.

The role emphasizes experience with 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CREO), GD&T, MIL-STD-810, and climate/vibration considerations, with opportunity to influence from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 and rugged environments
• Experience designing electronics packaging for severe environments
• Proficient with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CREO

Responsibilities

• Lead products through the full lifecycle; from concept development to integration, testing, and production release.
• Perform mechanical engineering activities for rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies, including mechanical packaging, connector selection, cable and label design, prototype inspection and assembly, environmental testing, and supporting hardware documentation procurement
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners such as Hardware/Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement
• Develop and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs/PLs) to support accurate configuration and production control
• Draft, submit, and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)
• Conceptualize, design, analyze, and document mechanical hardware and systems intended for rugged military and space environments
• Conduct thermal and structural analysis and/or simulations to ensure robust mechanical and environmental performance
• Design complex fixtures to support product testing and advanced manufacturing processes
• Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings
• Communicate design concepts and produce clear, high‑quality product documentation for diverse internal and external audiences
• Support environmental and functional design verification testing in accordance with MIL‑STD‑810 for severe operating conditions
• Provide hands‑on support during initial build validation of new designs, ensuring form, fit, and function are met
• Perform failure analysis of discrepant material in partnership with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering teams
• Develop test plans, inspection reports, and associated documentation in support of verification and validation activities
• Mentor and train junior engineers

Skills

GD&T

ASME Y14.5

Y14.100

MIL-STD-810

Electronics packaging

Thermal design

Vibration design

Configuration management

Agile

Oracle

EPDM

6Sigma

Celsius

SC Stream

SC Flow

SolidWorks Simulation

Femap

NASTRAN

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

6+ years of mechanical engineering experience

Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CREO

SolidWorks Simulation

Femap

NASTRAN

EPDM

Oracle

Job description

Job Summary:

Mercury Systems is seeking the best and brightest engineering talent to help us deliver cutting‑edge technology for mission‑critical aerospace and defense applications, advancing innovation where it matters most.

This is a great opportunity for a principal level mechanical engineer to join a high-performing engineering team who brings technical experience and a fresh perspective to complex design challenges. You will play a hands‑on role in designing, analyzing, and testing rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies that are core to Mercury’s high‑performance product portfolio. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment and is driven to translate innovative ideas into impactful, mission‑ready solutions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead products through the full lifecycle; from concept development to integration, testing, and production release.
• Perform mechanical engineering activities for rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies, including mechanical packaging, connector selection, cable and label design, prototype inspection and assembly, environmental testing, and supporting hardware documentation procurement
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners such as Hardware/Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement
• Develop and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs/PLs) to support accurate configuration and production control
• Draft, submit, and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)
• Conceptualize, design, analyze, and document mechanical hardware and systems intended for rugged military and space environments
• Conduct thermal and structural analysis and/or simulations to ensure robust mechanical and environmental performance
• Design complex fixtures to support product testing and advanced manufacturing processes
• Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings
• Communicate design concepts and produce clear, high‑quality product documentation for diverse internal and external audiences
• Support environmental and functional design verification testing in accordance with MIL‑STD‑810 for severe operating conditions
• Provide hands‑on support during initial build validation of new designs, ensuring form, fit, and function are met
• Perform failure analysis of discrepant material in partnership with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering teams
• Develop test plans, inspection reports, and associated documentation in support of verification and validation activities
• Mentor and train junior engineers

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Typically requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
• Familiarity with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, Y14.100
• Experience and understanding of PWA/CCA design and associated manufacturing processes
• Proven experience designing electronics packaging for severe environments, including compliance with MIL‑STD‑810
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CREO
• Broad knowledge of both conventional and advanced manufacturing techniques, including machining and post‑processing for CCAs and metal components
• Strong foundational understanding of heat‑transfer design principles and dynamic system design for shock and random vibration environments
• Familiarity with configuration management and material control processes, including routers, work instructions, and related tools i.e. Agile, Oracle, EPDM
  Proficiency with standard engineering documentation and presentation tools
• This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Aerospace and Defense Industry experience
• Expertise with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, Y14.100
• Experience performing thermal analysis using tools such as 6Sigma, Celsius, SC Stream, or SC Flow
• Experience performing Structural analysis using tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, Femap/NASTRAN)

Qualifications

Why should you join Mercury Systems?

Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com

Our Culture

We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two‑way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it’s important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.

To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs

Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.

As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.

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