Principal Mechanical Engineer

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here ( .

Do you enjoy designing and developing innovative solutions to solve tough problems? Join our team to deliver technological solutions in a rapid and agile production environment. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineering Lead to drive the mechanical engineering function for a high-priority airborne command and control program. In this role, you will serve as the senior technical authority for mechanical design needed to support the integration of instrumentation for an extensive pre and post mod testing campaign.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers supporting aircraft modification, system integration, and test activities.

• Oversee the creation, review, and approval of mechanical engineering documentation (drawings, specifications, analysis reports, test procedures).

• Guide trade studies, materials selection, tolerance analyses, and stress analyses to ensure optimal solutions balancing performance, manufacturability, and compliance.

• Partner with systems, electrical, and test engineering leads to ensure seamless integration and validation of multidisciplinary solutions.

• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory standards (FAA, DoD, etc.).

• Support configuration management, change control, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 14+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.

• Extensive experience in advanced mechanical design and analysis principles.

• PhD in a related field.

• Recognized contributions to the field of mechanical engineering with published research.

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices

• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

• A proven technical leader with deep expertise in aircraft mechanical systems and a passion for mentoring and inspiring engineering teams.

• A strategic thinker, comfortable making high-impact decisions and guiding teams through complex challenges.

• A highly effective communicator, adept at interfacing with multidisciplinary teams, senior leadership, and customers.

• Committed to fostering a culture of safety, quality, and technical excellence.

• This position require the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Demonstrated experience leading mechanical design and integration for aircraft modification and test programs.

• In-depth knowledge of aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and environmental control systems.

• Proficiency in CATIA and other mechanical engineering analysis tools.

• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, configuration management, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

• Applying systematic and logical problem-solving techniques to develop mechanical designs

• Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management

• Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more ( .

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. (

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.