Principal Component Engineer

Job DescriptionJoin Mercury Systems as a Lead Component Engineer and help shape the future of mission‑critical space and defense technologies. In this role, you will drive component engineering strategy across high‑visibility programs, influencing design decisions that safeguard warfighters, protect critical infrastructure, and enable next‑generation aerospace solutions. You'll work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where your expertise directly strengthens our products and our mission. This is an opportunity to lead, innovate, and meaningfully contribute from day one.This position is hybrid, and can be located in one of the following Mercury Systems locations:Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA. Cypress, CA or Andover, MAKey Responsibilities:Serve as the lead EEEE parts or materials-and-processes engineer across space and terrestrial programs, driving component engineering strategy. Lead component reviews, assessments, and analyses to ensure compliance with space, military, and customer program requirements.Collaborate closely with customers, government agencies, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams to resolve supply chain issues, mature PMP processes, and meet contractual obligations.Guide technology insertion, component selection, and standardization while balancing business, environmental, and circuit application constraints.Generate and update component drawings, verification packages, and risk assessments supporting design reviews.Perform alternate‑part evaluations, reliability assessments, and support MRB activities.Develop EEE parts specifications, screen/qualification test plans, and manage part qualifications with external test houses.Present non‑standard part requests (NSPARs) and technical findings to customers with confidence and clarity.Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing across programs.Required Qualifications:Ideally a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline, or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a college degree.Ideally a minimum of 6+ years of relevant industry experience (defense, aerospace, electronics)Prior experience serving as a lead component engineer / parts engineer / reliability engineer or similar role on defense, aerospace, or space programs.Strong knowledge of military/industry standards (MIL, ASTM, AEC, ESA, NASA).Understanding of electronic fabrication processes (SMT, chip and wire, hybrids, etc.) and circuit card assembly design/manufacturing).Presenting non-standard part approval requests (NSPARS), non-standard material approval requests (NSMARS), and technical findings to customers with confidence and clarity.Experience with NSPAR processes, environmental testing (MIL‑STD‑883), and passive/active component reliability.Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one (U.S. citizenship required).Preferred Qualifications:Active Secret Clearance.Understanding of failure modes in passive components and packaged active devices.Experience in design engineering, particularly for space‑based programs.Background collaborating with suppliers, including PPAPs, qualification reports, and documentation review.Experience designing complex embedded digital hardware (microprocessors, FPGAs, network switches).Prior experience in Quality or Supplier Quality organizations; familiarity with AS9100/AS9102 and QMS requirements.Proficiency with PLM, MES, or quality management systems.Job RequirementsWhy should you join Mercury Systems?Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.comOur CultureWe are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQsMercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.(978) 256-1300Click here read about our recent press release.Job DetailsJob Type: Full-timeCategory: EngineeringSalaried: Salaried