Principal Mechanical Engineer
El Segundo, California, United StatesAll locationsEl Segundo, California, United StatesHawthorne, CA On-site
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About the role
CHAOS is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced missile and UAV launcher systems. This role owns end-to-end mechanical design from concept development through production and sustainment, of launcher systems supporting solid rocket motor effectors, turbine-powered UAVs, and electrically powered UAV systems across mobile ground and maritime platforms. This role collaborates closely across functions and provides technical management of subcontracts. This role is suited for engineers who thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments and are comfortable owning hardware from concept through field deployment. This is a full-time, on-site position in Hawthorne, CA. Level (Principal vs Sr Principal) will be determined based on relevant technical and leadership experience.
What you'll bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical design and system integration for aerospace or defense
- Demonstrated experience designing missile launcher systems or closely related hardware
- Strong background in structural design, mechanisms, and ruggedized hardware for harsh environments
- Experience with electro-mechanical integration, including power and data interfaces and connector systems
- Working knowledge of blast, thermal, and dynamic loads associated with rocket or missile systems
- Familiarity with system safety principles, including safe-and-arm or fuzing interfaces and launch interlocks
- Strong proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent) and experience designing large assemblies
- Solid understanding of mechanical interfaces, tolerancing, alignment, installation practices, and interface control documents (ICDs)
- Experience interpreting and applying military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810) and environmental qualification practices
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical decisions and resolve cross-disciplinary integration challenges
- Strong communication skills and ability to operate across multiple programs