Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Vectrus, Inc; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

V2X is seeking a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer specializing in machine design, automation, and controls to lead conception, development, and deployment of advanced automation solutions for complex defense applications.

You will act as a technical authority across mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems engineering, defining architectures and driving innovation while mentoring engineering teams and contributing to proposals and technology roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience in automation, advanced machine design, mechatronics, robotics.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary automation projects from concept through production/deployment.
• Proficiency with CAD software (Creo) and engineering analysis tools.
• Ability to perform kinematic and dynamic analysis on mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with controls integration (PLC, HMI, industrial networking), sensors, motors, etc.
• Expertise with electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic power systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IEEE, ANSI, ASME.
• Strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD secret level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Automation & Machine Design: drive full lifecycle of automation and machine development projects including requirements capture, system design, modeling, controls integration, prototyping, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, software, and systems engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies to improve performance and reliability.
• Work in a fast-paced development and prototyping environment.
• Serve as the engineering authority for mechanical and automation systems and ensure compliance with standards (ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Proactively identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Lead process improvements and adoption of new tools and best practices.
• Contribute technical expertise to proposal development and cost estimation.
• Collaborate with program managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, vendors, and customers to define technical requirements.

Skills

Automation engineering

Machine design

Mechatronics

Robotics

Leadership

Controls integration

Creo CAD

DoD clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC

Industrial networking

Job description

Overview

Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We bring 120 years of successful mission support to improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $3.9B company and 16,000 people work alongside our clients, here and abroad, to tackle their most complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.

V2X is seeking an accomplished Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer specializing in machine design, automation and controls. In this pivotal role, you will lead the conception, development, and deployment of cutting‑edge automation and machine solutions tailored to complex technical challenges in both defense applications. You’ll operate at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems engineering. Your expertise will be critical in defining system architectures, innovating automation strategies, integrating cross‑disciplinary technologies, and ensuring solutions meet rigorous performance, quality, and safety standards.

The Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer will serve as a technical authority in automation and machine design and provide mentorship and guidance to engineering teams. You will actively contribute to project execution, technology roadmaps, proposal development, and the advancement of technology at V2X.

Responsibilities

• Lead Automation & Machine Design: Drive the complete lifecycle of automation and machine development projects—including requirements capture, system design, detailed mechanical modeling, controls integration, prototyping, testing, and deployment. With specific focus on systems which can position payloads in multiple axes with extreme speed and accuracy. Must be expert in designing safety critical mechanical systems.
• Multidisciplinary Integration: Collaborate seamlessly with electrical, controls, software, and systems engineers to deliver robust, highly integrated automation solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and mission support systems.
• Innovation & Technology Leadership: Identify and implement emerging technologies, such as robotics, advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, to improve automation performance, reliability, and adaptability.
• Rapid Development and Prototyping: Must be comfortable working in a fast paced development and prototyping environment.
• Technical Excellence: Serve as the engineering authority for mechanical and automation systems—reviewing designs, performing complex calculations, and leading critical design decisions to ensure project success and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Risk Management: Proactively identify technical risks in designs, develop mitigation strategies, and guide teams through structured problem‑solving approaches.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Mentor junior engineers and cross‑disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and technical mastery.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead and support process improvement initiatives, the introduction of new engineering tools, and the establishment of best practices for mechanical engineering, automation and machine design.
• Support Business Development: Contribute technical expertise in proposal development, cost estimation, and solution strategizing for business pursuits and growth initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate directly with program managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, vendors, and customers to define technical requirements and ensure project objectives are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience, with demonstrated expertise in automation, advanced machine design, mechatronics, robotics, or related fields.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary automation projects from concept through production/deployment.
• Deep proficiency with CAD software (e.g. Creo), engineering analysis tools, and automation technology platforms.
• Ability to perform kinematic and dynamic analysis on mechanisms.
• Hands‑on experience with controls integration (PLC, HMI, industrial networking), sensors, motors, slew drives, zero backlash gearing, absolute and relative encoders, actuators, and other components.
• Expertise with electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic power systems.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IEEE, ANSI, ASME).
• Strong problem‑solving skills, strategic thinking, and demonstrated ability to deliver innovative technical solutions.
• Excellent communication abilities—capable of conveying complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences, and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD secret level clearance.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.