Principal Mechanical Engineer

Employer description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos’ Defense Systems is seeking a talented Principal Mechanical Engineer for its Hypersonics line of business. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions. The selected candidate will support the Common Hypersonic Glide Body program (CHGB). The CHGB is the Army’s #1 priority for strategic weapons capability for long-range precision fires and will counter and gain a lead on our adversaries’ technological advances in this field, come join us in this exciting, cutting-edge field.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

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. To explore and learn more, click here!

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Primary Responsibilities

Lead engineering activities for the CHGB Mechanical Structures Integrated Product Team (IPT), including technical execution, engineering deliverables, and issue resolution.Develop and maintain engineering plans and schedules, manage technical risks, and coordinate deliverables to support program objectives.Ensure complete and accurate definition of mechanical assembly components, subsystems, and ground support equipment within the Technical Data Package (TDP).Lead technical peer reviews and drive resolution of complex engineering issues.Serve as a primary technical interface with the design agent and Industry IPT, coordinating technical activities and driving alignment on engineering decisions and issue resolution.Work with the design agent to incorporate design changes that enhance manufacturability, quality, and production efficiency.Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, operations, and liaison engineering to resolve production bottlenecks, improve processes, and support hardware delivery.Coordinate with supplier program managers to ensure timely hardware delivery, resolve technical issues, and support supplier producibility improvements.Provide technical oversight of nonconforming hardware dispositions within established MRB authority and support Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations.Lead the Failure Review Board (FRB) process to resolve technical issues.Identify, assess, and communicate program risks and improvement opportunities to the Risk and Opportunity (RIO) Board.Serve as a senior technical representative to the customer, providing program status updates and communicating engineering and manufacturing activities.Mentor less experienced engineers and provide technical guidance across the IPT.
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution with 12+ years of relevant experience.Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) responsible for complex mechanical subsystem design, development, integration, or production.Experience planning and coordinating engineering activities, managing technical deliverables, and addressing program risks and schedules.Proficiency with CAD tools such as Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks.Experience working within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environments.Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis.Understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, and configuration management processes.Experience leading technical investigations and resolving complex engineering issues in development or production environments.Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews and make sound engineering recommendations.Understanding of cost, schedule, and technical risk impacts associated with engineering decisions.Experience interacting directly with customers and external engineering organizations to coordinate activities and resolve technical issues.Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and mentor other engineers. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

Preferred Qualifications

Active security clearance.Experience supporting DoD programs related to missile systems, reentry vehicles, or hypersonic technologies.Prior technical leadership experience in the design, development, qualification, or integration of missile system mechanical subsystems.Experience coordinating technical activities with external design agents, suppliers, and industry partners.Experience supporting rapid development, prototyping, or fast-paced engineering programs.Familiarity with AS9100 aerospace quality management systems.Knowledge of MIL-STD-31000 Technical Data Package (TDP) development, engineering release processes, and configuration control.Experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings and complex CAD assemblies using PTC Creo and managing engineering data within Windchill.Experience supporting Material Review Board (MRB), Failure Review Board (FRB), and Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes. 

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:October 28, 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.

Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

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.