Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary

Seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a high growth electro-optical, infrared, sensor defense contractor in the Cypress, CA area.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer would be responsible for leading the 3D CAD design, structural dynamics, and

Job Details

• Location: Cypress, California
• Job type: Contract
• Salary: $70 - 80 per hour
• Work hours: 8am to 4pm
• Education: Bachelors

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design: Lead 3D CAD architecture of ruggedized EO/IR enclosures, precision optical mounts, gimbals, and space payloads using SolidWorks.
• Structural & FEA Analysis: Conduct advanced static, dynamic (shock, vibration), and thermal stress analyses via FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation) to ensure environmental survival.
• Thermal Management: Design active/passive cooling solutions for high-density electronics and cryogenically cooled/uncooled IR detectors.
• DFMx & Production: Apply DFM/DFA/DFMC principles and collaborate with machine shops, optical labs, and external suppliers.
• Environmental Testing: Plan and execute qualification testing (vibration, shock, TVAC) to validate structural models.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as Lead Mechanical Engineer on major programs, mentor team members, and conduct peer design reviews.
• Program & Customer Interface: Support proposals, CAM responsibilities, and technical presentations at major design reviews (PDR, CDR).

Qualifications

• Experience level: Experienced
• Minimum 8 years of experience
• Education: Bachelors (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Fair Chance Ordinances

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.