Prin Mechanical Engineer (SRM - Thermal Analyst)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer (SRM – Thermal Analyst) based in Huntsville, Alabama; Niceville, Florida; or Hampton, Arkansas, United States. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will play a critical role in advancing the thermal engineering of solid rocket motor systems. This position focuses on conducting sophisticated thermal analyses, evaluating material performance, and developing solutions to protect critical components under demanding operating conditions. You will apply advanced engineering methods to design and optimize thermal protection systems, insulation, and ablation models. Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will contribute to complex projects, validate analytical models against test data, and support technical decision-making. The role also involves presenting findings to customers and engineering stakeholders while helping maintain high standards of technical excellence. This opportunity offers a challenging engineering environment with significant technical ownership and the flexibility of a remote or on-site working arrangement. Accountabilities: As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead and contribute to advanced thermal engineering activities, applying specialized mechanical engineering expertise to analyze, develop, validate, and optimize solid rocket motor components and thermal protection solutions. - Conduct detailed thermal analyses of solid rocket motor components using advanced engineering techniques and industry-standard analytical tools. - Design, size, and evaluate internal insulation, external thermal protection systems, and structural insulators. - Develop predictive ablation and erosion models to assess material behavior and component performance under thermal stress. - Validate analytical models using experimental and test data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

- Define and support sub-scale testing activities to characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of insulation and ablative materials. - Evaluate and recommend suitable ablative materials and thermal protection solutions for solid rocket motor applications. - Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to design, analyze, modify, test, and optimize mechanically functioning systems and equipment. - Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, schematics, and computer-generated reports. - Research and assess customer design proposals, technical specifications, and engineering documentation to evaluate feasibility, cost, performance, and maintenance requirements. - Specify system components and recommend design modifications to ensure compliance with engineering and performance specifications. - Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical challenges, investigate system malfunctions, and provide engineering recommendations. - Investigate equipment failures and operational difficulties, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions. - Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and presentations detailing analysis results and supporting recommendations. - Present technical findings to colleagues, customers, and stakeholders during engineering design reviews. - Provide technical guidance to others, lead complex problem-solving activities, and contribute to engineering projects with a high degree of independence. Requirements: The ideal candidate is an experienced mechanical engineering professional with strong expertise in thermal analysis, applied mechanics, and engineering design. You should demonstrate advanced analytical capabilities, sound technical judgment, and the ability to manage complex engineering assignments independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.