Lead Mechanical Engineer (Full-time)

Overview The Lead Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for overseeing mechanical engineering activities, managing multiple projects, collaborating with teams across the UMDI enterprise and guiding diverse and multi-generational teams to achieve program goals. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, imagination and strategic thinking to drive innovation and ensure the successful execution of projects. Responsibilities Team Leadership & Mentorship: Manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Provide guidance and mentorship to engineering interns, supporting their professional growth and assisting them in earning their Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Technology Development: Develop and execute technology roadmaps to guide R&D investments across platforms. Project Management: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Apply principles of advanced project management and manage product and project financial valuation. Design & Engineering: Oversee and participate in the design, analysis, and development of mechanical systems, including custom mechanical devices, robotics and structural/mechanical installations. Utilize SolidWorks and other engineering tools to create and review designs and drawings. Change Management & Talent Development: Lead change initiatives, including talent development and implementation of new technologies or processes. Root Cause Analysis: Conduct root cause failure analysis (RCFA) to identify and resolve product or process issues, using tools like fishbone diagrams and trend charts. Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all engineering activities comply with DoD standards, safety regulations, and company policies. Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and technical documentation to internal and external stakeholders. U.S. Citizenship is required. Qualifications Education and Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) certification is required. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, including project management and leadership roles. Hands-on experience with design, fabrication, deployment and troubleshooting. Technical Skills: Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D CAD) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Strong knowledge of manufacturing practices, system integration, and product development. Familiarity with RCFA, FMEA, and value engineering. Leadership and Management Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage diverse and multi-generational R&D and engineering teams. Experience mentoring and training engineers and technicians on best practices, industry standards, and project management. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards. Ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation. Problem-Solving and Innovation: Demonstrated ability to apply creative and practical problem-solving approaches to address complex engineering challenges. Experience developing and implementing technology roadmaps to guide R&D investments and align with strategic goals. Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and assess their feasibility for implementation in defense-related projects. Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including government, industry, and academia. Ability to create and deliver compelling technical presentations and reports to internal and external stakeholders. Defense Industry Experience (Preferred): Experience working on defense-related projects or with DoD standards and regulations is highly desirable. Familiarity with operational security and force protection is a plus. Additional Skills & Attributes: Passion for national security and a strong commitment to serving the American warfighter. High levels of integrity, discretion, and ethical conduct in all personal and professional interactions. Proactive and adaptable mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges and take initiative to address them. A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A strong work ethic and the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr UMD International