Principal Mechanical Engineer Launcher Systems

HIKINEX; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and equity package

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401(k) matching

PTO flexibility

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

HIKINEX is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in the Greater Los Angeles Area to lead the architecture and design of advanced launcher systems for UAV and missile platforms. This role involves hands-on leadership, where you'll manage hardware development from concept to production while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in aerospace and defense, particularly in designing ruggedized hardware for harsh operational environments, and must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining security clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense mechanical design and system integration.
• Direct experience designing launcher systems, missile integration hardware, or UAV launch platforms.
• Strong understanding of dynamic load environments and military standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical architecture and system integration of launcher platforms.
• Design and manage critical mechanical interfaces between systems and platforms.
• Conduct technical reviews and lead decision-making for hardware development.

Skills

Mechanical design

System integration

Electro-mechanical integration

CAD proficiency (SolidWorks)

Experience with missile systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

Job description

Location: The Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, CA (Onsite)

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Launcher Systems

An advanced aerospace and defense technology company is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and integration of next‑generation launcher systems supporting UAV and missile platforms.

This role will own launcher hardware development from concept definition through production and deployment across mobile ground and maritime applications. The ideal candidate brings deep launcher system expertise, strong electro‑mechanical integration capability, and direct experience designing ruggedized hardware for harsh operational environments.

This is a highly hands‑on technical leadership role suited for engineers who thrive in fast‑moving development environments and are comfortable owning complex hardware systems end‑to‑end.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical architecture and system integration of launcher platforms across ground and maritime environments
• Define and manage critical mechanical and electro‑mechanical interfaces between launcher systems, canisters, payloads, and platform infrastructure
• Design solutions addressing blast, plume, thermal, and structural loads associated with rocket or missile launch environments
• Develop gas management, shielding, thermal protection, and structural mitigation strategies
• Design and integrate deployment, retention, release, and actuation mechanisms
• Support launch sequencing, safety interlocks, and system‑level safing requirements
• Create and manage interface control documents (ICDs), mechanical specifications, and system integration documentation
• Serve as a primary technical interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, customers, and platform integrators
• Lead supplier technical reviews, design validation efforts, and make‑versus‑buy assessments
• Support transition from development into production, qualification, and sustainment activities
• Mentor and provide technical direction to cross‑functional engineering teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense mechanical design and system integration
• Direct experience designing launcher systems, missile integration hardware, UAV launch platforms, or closely related defense systems
• Strong understanding of blast, plume, thermal, vibration, and dynamic load environments
• Experience with electro‑mechanical integration including power, data, connector, and umbilical systems
• Hands‑on experience designing ruggedized mechanical hardware for harsh environments
• Strong CAD proficiency using SolidWorks or equivalent tools, including large assembly management
• Familiarity with military standards and environmental qualification practices including MIL-STD-810
• Experience creating and managing interface documentation, tolerancing strategies, and installation requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical decision‑making and resolve complex integration challenges
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Prior experience serving as technical lead or responsible engineer for launcher or weapons systems programs
• Experience integrating launcher systems onto mobile or maritime platforms
• Familiarity with launch sequencing, safe‑and‑arm systems, fuzing interfaces, and mission‑critical safety requirements
• Experience with structural, thermal, or multiphysics simulation tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar
• Experience planning and executing hardware integration or environmental testing
• Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly methods for deployable or ruggedized mechanical systems
• Familiarity with military connector standards including 38999, ARINC, or Micro‑D interfaces
• Hands‑on prototyping, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or fabrication experience

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

This role offers the opportunity to help establish a launcher systems capability from the ground up within a rapidly growing advanced defense environment.

The engineering team is looking for someone with true launcher domain expertise – not simply general mechanical design experience. The right person will have significant influence over system architecture, integration strategy, supplier engagement, and long‑term platform development.

You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams developing mission‑critical systems that must operate reliably in highly demanding operational environments.

Additional Information

• Competitive compensation and equity package
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• 401(k) matching
• PTO flexibility
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Full‑time onsite collaboration environment
• U.S. citizenship required due to security and export control requirements