Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Hardware Lead

Salient Motion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare benefits

Flexible PTO

401k

Job summary

Salient Motion in Torrance, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the full-lifecycle development of mission-critical hardware for aerospace and defense applications. You will own concepts, requirements, assembly, and environmental qualification of flight hardware, while guiding cross-functional teams and reviewing programs.

The role demands hands-on leadership, deep expertise in electromechanical systems, DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 qualification, and collaboration with suppliers to ensure

Qualifications

• Translate high-level mission needs into actionable functional and operational requirements for complex electromechanical systems.
• Design and iterate on electromagnetic actuators and intricate mechanisms, including precision gears, bearings, lead screws, braking systems, and encoders.
• Develop high-performance avionics enclosures with thermal management and survivability in extreme environments (vibration, vacuum).
• Architect test equipment and methodologies for hardware qualification compliant with DO-160 and MIL-STD-810.
• Guide integration across the organization, support multidisciplinary teams through testing, and author test plans and program documentation.
• Partner with external suppliers to ensure conforming hardware and proactively manage deviations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of mission-critical hardware from concept to flight-qualified production hardware.
• Review and advise across mechanical programs and contribute to proposals.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for the team.

Skills

Grit

Hands-on execution

Cross-Functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

MS or higher preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Inventor

Job description

Salient Motion in Torrance, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the full-lifecycle development of mission-critical hardware for aerospace and defense applications. You will own concepts, requirements, assembly, and environmental qualification of flight hardware, while guiding cross-functional teams and reviewing programs.

The role demands hands-on leadership, deep expertise in electromechanical systems, DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 qualification, and collaboration with suppliers to ensure