Prin Mechanical Engineer

General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems • Colchester, VT

1d

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated, creative, and experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team and lead new product development and engineering services efforts within our aircraft weapon systems product family. In this role, you will engage with customers to define product needs, develop estimates and statements of work, design and analyze mechanical solutions, and lead the development, testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing implementation of new products and product upgrades. The ideal candidate will serve as a technical authority within the product family and provide guidance to ensure design integrity, manufacturability, and long-term product performance.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
• Engineering degree required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other closely related field
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Advanced problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Applied mechanics, design engineering, design optimization, design review
• Mechanical prototyping
• Requirements engineering and analysis
• Proficiency with CAD and CAE software tools
• GD&T
• Experience in a technical leadership role, including direct customer engagement and mentoring of engineers.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical authority, resolve complex engineering issues, mitigate risks, and provide guidance across product lifecycles.
• Proficiency with primary CAD/CAE tools including Creo, Mathcad, Ansys Workbench, and internally developed design software.
• Manufacturing process knowledge including CNC machining, forging, assembly, and testing of precision mechanical components.
• Ability to support sustainment and troubleshooting of legacy mechanical systems with limited historical documentation.
• Strongly preferred specific product family experience includes: Medium‑caliber gun systems, including design, analysis, testing, integration, or field support; Ammunition handling systems, including feed systems, linkless mechanisms, storage, transfer, and system‑level integration; Gun barrel design and manufacturing, including material selection, stress/fatigue analysis, thermal considerations, and barrel life management.

Responsibilities

• Lead full product development lifecycle from initiation through closeout.
• Drive project execution through requirements, design, integration, verification, and production readiness.
• Provide technical leadership, manage risks, and support proposals.
• Maintain and improve legacy products by becoming a subject matter expert.
• Mentor engineers and collaborate across teams to transition designs into production.
• Applies advanced engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.
• Guides the interpretation of blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Collaborates with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
• Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and makes recommendations to maintenance crew.

Benefits

• Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts.
• Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution.
• In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.
• Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees