Principal Mechanical Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Home office stipend

Professional development

Conference participation

Publication opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of advanced propulsion systems. This fully remote role requires guiding a skilled engineering team and driving cutting-edge R&D initiatives from anywhere in the world.

You will mentor senior engineers, perform complex analyses, and ensure performance, reliability, and safety of high-temperature, high-stress components while collaborating with research institutions and partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with propulsion focus.
• 15+ years in mechanical design, analysis, and propulsion.
• Expert in CAD and simulation tools (NX/CATIA, ANSYS, STAR-CCM+).
• Proven leadership of large R&D programs.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science, and structures.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for mechanical design of propulsion systems.
• Lead R&D projects from concept to detailed design, analysis, verification.
• Develop mechanical solutions for high-stress, high-temp, extreme environments.
• Perform advanced engineering analyses (FEA, CFD, thermal-fluid, fracture mechanics).
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers for technical excellence.
• Collaborate with researchers and manufacturing partners to advance goals.
• Oversee development and validation of critical components and subsystems.
• Prepare technical reports and design documentation for dissemination.
• Stay at the forefront of materials science and propulsion tech advances.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Technical leadership

Propulsion design

CFD/FEA

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (propulsion focus)

Tools

NX

CATIA

ANSYS

STAR-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in advanced aerospace propulsion systems, is seeking an exceptional Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their elite, fully remote engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to highly advanced, next-generation technologies from anywhere in the world. As a Principal Engineer, you will be at the forefront of innovation, tackling the most complex mechanical challenges in propulsion design and development. We are looking for a candidate with a distinguished academic background, extensive hands-on experience, and a visionary approach to engineering. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor senior engineers, and drive strategic R&D initiatives. This role demands deep theoretical knowledge combined with practical application, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and safety for our cutting-edge systems. Embrace the opportunity to shape the future of aerospace propulsion with a company that values groundbreaking ideas and exceptional talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership and strategic direction for the mechanical design of advanced propulsion systems.


• Lead complex R&D projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design, analysis, and verification.


• Develop innovative mechanical solutions for high-stress, high-temperature, and extreme environment applications.


• Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including complex FEA, CFD, thermal-fluid dynamics, and fracture mechanics.


• Mentor and guide a team of highly skilled mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.


• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including research institutions and manufacturing partners, to advance project goals.


• Oversee the development and validation of critical components and subsystems, ensuring they meet stringent performance and reliability requirements.


• Author and review comprehensive technical reports, white papers, and design documentation for internal and external dissemination.


• Stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements in materials science, manufacturing processes, and propulsion technology.


• Ensure all designs and processes comply with the highest industry standards (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with a strong emphasis on propulsion systems.


• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and development, with a significant focus on aerospace propulsion.


• Extensive expertise in advanced CAD (e.g., NX, CATIA) and sophisticated simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, STAR-CCM+).


• Proven track record of leading major R&D initiatives and solving highly complex engineering problems.


• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials science, and structural mechanics relevant to propulsion.


• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills at a strategic level.


• Superb communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence technical decisions at the highest levels.


• Demonstrated experience mentoring and guiding senior engineering staff.


• Experience working with government contracts and compliance is a significant advantage.


• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for exotic materials and high-precision components.

Benefits

This is a premier remote position offering a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits. Our client provides a generous stipend for home office setup and equipment. Professional development is highly encouraged, with opportunities for advanced training, attending leading industry conferences, and publishing research. You will work on projects of national and international significance, contributing to the advancement of aerospace technology. We offer unparalleled autonomy and flexibility, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among our world-class remote team. Your expertise will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace engineering.