Principal Mechanical Engineer

Description:
Viken Detection is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural ownership across our advanced detection and imaging systems. This highest-level individual contributor role sets mechanical design strategy, drives cross-platform alignment, and tackles complex system-level challenges. The Principal Mechanical Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Physics, Program Management, and Operations to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions from concept through sustaining engineering.
Responsibilities
* Serve as mechanical system architect for major product platforms
* Lead system-level design decisions, trade studies, and risk mitigation
* Establish mechanical standards, best practices, and reusable design architectures
* Drive cross-functional alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, and physics teams
* Lead development of complex electromechanical systems including structures, mechanisms, and enclosures
* Drive early-stage innovation by assembling and testing proof-of-concept prototypes to validate concepts and reduce technical risk
* Own mechanical execution across the full product lifecycle from concept through sustaining
* Resolve high-impact, cross-subsystem technical challenges
* Oversee tolerance analysis, structural integrity, environmental robustness, and reliability
* Partner with Operations to ensure manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective designs
* Lead mechanical NPI efforts, production readiness, and supplier engagement
* Incorporate production, quality, and field feedback into continuous improvement
* Mentor engineers and lead technical design reviews
* Influence engineering roadmaps, resourcing, and long-term technical strategy
* Advise engineering leadership on mechanical risk, capability, and execution
* Promote engineering rigor, documentation quality, and technical excellence
* Travel as needed (e.g., to suppliers, manufacturing partners, field deployments, or customer sites) to support development, integration, and issue resolution
Requirements:
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
* 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in complex product development
* Proven technical lead or system owner on shipped products
* Experience designing electromechanical systems such as handheld devices, large-scale industrial or vehicle-mounted equipment, or precision mechanisms
* Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection-molded plastics, structural metals, welded assemblies, and tolerance management
* Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or Onshape; working knowledge of FEA and mechanical simulation
* Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
* Demonstrated ownership of designs from concept through full-rate production
* Experience with ruggedized, safety-critical, or harsh-environment products; collaboration with Physics or Imaging teams preferred
* Passion for mission-driven engineering and real-world impact
Additional Information
Location: This role is based in Burlington, MA. We are seeking local candidates, as relocation assistance is not available.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.
Compensation details: Yearly Salary