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Principal Mechanical Engineer

Cummings Aerospace, Inc.
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/18/2026
Overview

The Principal Mechanical Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for performing and leading the development of mechanical designs and/or drawings, structural analysis, thermal analysis, and support of manufacturing and hardware integration for an advanced, high-speed flight vehicle. The individual will report to a Program Manger

Responsibilities
  • Serve as a technical lead of a mechanical engineering design team
  • Perform/Lead the development of mechanical designs and/or drawings to support the hardware development life cycle based on system requirements
  • Perform/Lead the collaboration efforts with the program engineering team or customer to develop mechanical system requirements
  • Perform/Lead static and dynamic structural analysis of mechanical designs to validate system performance requirements
  • Develop presentation materials of design solutions, methodologies, trade studies, etc. for design reviews
  • Interface with the engineering and manufacturing team on the development of hardware solutions
  • Produce engineering products in support of customer requirements
  • Support program meetings and reviews as required
  • Support other duties as assigned

Skills and Competencies
  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering is required, MS degree or PhD is desired.
  • 15 - 20 years of mechanical engineering experience
  • Highly proficient with SolidWorks, CREO, or other CAD software
  • Hands-on experience with existing hardware and systems integration on flight vehicles
  • Highly proficient with analysis tools to perform static and dynamic structural and thermal analysis
  • Experience with formal design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR
  • Demonstrated experience and an ability to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, and with other engineers collaboratively
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required
  • Works under only general direction and independently develops solutions that are reviewed upon completion.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to bend, stretch and lift up to 10 pounds occasionally

Clearance
  • Secret Clearance Required, Top Secret Preferred

Location
  • Arlington, VA

Cummings Aerospace provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Cummings Aerospace complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Cummings Aerospace expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cummings Aerospace's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Salary.com Estimation for Principal Mechanical Engineer in Arlington, VA
$170,184 to $202,380
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