Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in lasers and precision optics. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

This role is an on-site position based in Beavercreek, OH . Our Laser Systems Integration facility focuses on building high energy lasers for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation. At Attalon, we’re redefining performance, precision, and reliability in defense technologies.

Job Details

A Principal ME will demonstrate expertise in the development of precision, opto-mechanical subsystems such as gimbaled telescopes, directed energy beam directors, positioning mechanisms, and integrated sensors, to be deployed in spaceborne, airborne, terrestrial, and seaborne environments. Responsibilities include generating detailed CAD models, overseeing structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses, characterizing system performance and tracking requirements, and preparing engineering documentation. This role requires close collaboration across disciplines to ensure all functional and performance requirements are met effectively. Additionally, the Principal Mechanical Engineer will contribute to the design of tooling, as well as the creation of work instructions to support the assembly, integration, and testing of deliverable hardware. A Principal ME may also be asked to support proposal preparation and cost estimating for new projects and will be expected to work with program and functional leadership to direct the design efforts of a mechanical design team.

Responsibilities

• • Demonstrate technical leadership: Utilize expert-level knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and/or Opto-Mechanical Engineering to execute major development programs, lead and mentor cross-functional teams, and drive design initiatives to achieve program goals. Serve as a recognized local authority in the field.
  • Own product design and development: Lead product design and process development activities, ensuring all designs and processes meet customer specifications, technical requirements, and functional performance standards.
  • Develop and maintain system-level CAD models: Oversee the creation and maintenance of system-level CAD designs, including layout generation, component and assembly modeling, and detailed drawings to support manufacturing and integration.
  • Conduct advanced analysis and verification: Perform or oversee structural, dynamic, shock, and thermal analyses such as FEA and STOP (using tools like Sigfit) to certify compliance with functional and performance requirements, ensuring designs meet mission-critical standards.
  • Collaborate with program management: Provide technical guidance and strategic input to program leaders, contributing to project planning and execution while adhering to financial targets and delivering cost and status updates as needed.
  • Support manufacturing and operations: Partner with Manufacturing/Operations to implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) principles, ensuring products meet cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
  • Participate in advanced technology development: Contribute to innovation by providing insights into new concepts and informing research and development activities to maintain a competitive edge in precision opto-mechanical systems.
  • Manage product configurations and changes: Participate in configuration control, change control, and material review processes (e.g., CCD, ECO, NOR, and RCN activities) to ensure traceability and maintain fidelity for assigned programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Minimum ten years of related experience in a professional role with a Bachelor’s degree or related discipline.
  • Minimum of seven years of experience with a Master’s degree or three years with a Ph.D. in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience in optomechanical or precision mechanism design: Familiarity with optomechanical design principles and/or precision mechanism development. The ability to apply core engineering fundamentals throughout the design process is essential. Experience in both areas is highly desirable but not required. 
  • Knowledge of optical system design: Experience working with optical systems from concept to production, including optics, mounting strategies, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), manufacturability, and cost estimation. 
  • Competence with 3D CAD software: Proficiency with 3D CAD tools; experience using SOLIDWORKS and Solidworks PDM is preferred. 
  • Familiarity with analysis methods and tools: Understanding of thermal, vibrational, and shock analysis methods for optical systems or precision mechanisms. Experience with analysis tools such as Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter 3D, Mathcad, Matlab, and/or Star CCM+ is preferred. Familiarity with Sigmadyne’s SigFit software is a plus. 
  • Experience with precision mechanisms: Hands-on experience in the design, analysis, assembly, and testing of precision mechanisms, including motor and bearing sizing, encoder selection, lubrication, and flexure design. 
  • Understanding of advanced materials: Familiarity with designing subsystems that use specialized materials such as ceramics, specialty metals (e.g., Invar), carbon fiber composites, and optical coatings. 
  • Familiarity with systems engineering tools and practices: Knowledge of methodologies such as error budgeting, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Technical Performance Measure (TPM) tracking. 
  • Exposure to optical systems integration and testing: Experience with integrating, aligning, or testing optical systems is highly valued, and familiarity with optical and dynamic testing or data analysis is a plus. 
  • Design for assembly and integration: Understanding of key principles for designing complex optomechanical systems, including alignment planning, tolerance stack analysis, and assembly workflows. 
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills: Effective communication and collaboration skills with a proven ability to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team. Attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving are essential.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.