System Architect Mechanical Engineer

Leidos is seeking an experienced System Architect Mechanical Engineer to solution tough engineering problems across some of the most challenging programs in our Defense Sector. This is a multi-faceted role that will leverage your experience in design, production, integration, and testing in myriad ways on multiple programs. You will be asked to solution tough, nebulous problems that span multiple engineering disciplines. This role requires a systems-minded leader with the ability to direct technical work based on cost, schedule, risk, and requirements. This is not your average engineering position. You will work on a team of the most talented engineers in the region who push you to be better every day. This is a dynamic role with unique technical challenges that will be a rewarding milestone in any engineering career.

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with "can’t fail" missions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams to design, manufacture, and deliver complex defense systems
• Own the technical baseline across all lifecycle stages - engineering execution, system performance, and requirements compliance
• Balance technical solutions against cost and schedule constraints
• Direct subsystem leads, IPT leads, and specialty engineers to drive design maturity, integration, and risk mitigation
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities
• Communicate technical progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership and government stakeholders
• Mentor and develop technical staff, fostering innovation, rigor, and collaboration

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Masters + 15 years of progressive engineering experience (or Bachelors + 17 years experience).
• Proven success leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams through development, integration, test, and production
• Strong technical judgment, with the ability to communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Hands-on experience with design reviews (PDR/CDR), configuration management, and risk management
• Active DoD security clearance, or eligibility to obtain
• Resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Full-lifecycle experience - design, manufacture, integration, test, and fielding - on at least one product
• Ability to quickly identify, assess, and communicate the downstream impacts of technical decisions
• Experience with launchers, canisters, and flight vehicles
• Experience integrating munitions into land-and sea-based launchers
• Familiarity with the Patriot launcher
• Familiarity with the Navy Vertical Launch System (VLS)
• Familiarity with Army offensive and defensive fires

Pay Range

Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

• competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Original Posting: October 8, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026.

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