Lead Mechanical Engineer - Directed Energy

HII's Mission Technologies division • Knoxville, TN

2d • $101,354 - $165,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems. HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners. HII’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams: Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment. Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships. Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results. Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners. Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities. Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose. These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission. HII, Mission Technologies has an opportunity available for a Lead Mechanical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced mechanical systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that mechanical designs—including structural components, thermal management systems, precision assemblies, and packaging solutions—translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements. The ideal candidate will excel at computer-aided mechanical engineering design, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.

Requirements

• 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field.
• High-level of proficiency in SolidWorks CAD for complex assemblies and systems.
• Extensive experience with GD&T, creating manufacturing-ready drawings, and DFM principles.
• Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed designs
• Ability to perform fundamental analysis working from first principles
• Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Experience in creating DFMEA
• Experience managing tasks within budgets
• Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on prototyping.
• Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels
• SolidWorks PDM and configuration management experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• FEA/CFD experience with complex analysis and optimization.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and ANSYS for modeling and simulation.
• Deep thermal management expertise for high-power applications.
• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
• Active SECRET level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead computer-aided mechanical engineering design for structural components, power electronics, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, and mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
• Direct design efforts for structural components, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
• Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
• Translate requirements into polished 2D/3D CAD models using SolidWorks.
• Perform and oversee fundamental engineering analysis (stress, thermal, vibration, fluid dynamics).
• Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical systems and prototypes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.
• Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
• Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers and program management.
• Interface with manufacturing to optimize designs for fabrication.
• Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.
• Identify, articulate, and manage risks across mechanical, structural, and thermal systems.
• Solve complex engineering problems in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.
• Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.
• Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications.
• Lead configuration management using SolidWorks PDM.
• Review and approve documentation from junior team members.
• Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.

Benefits

• The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which TODO

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior