Principal Mechanical Engineer - Launcher Systems

HIKINEX•Los Angeles, CA

45d•$180,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

An advanced aerospace and defense technology company is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and integration of next-generation launcher systems supporting UAV and missile platforms. This role will own launcher hardware development from concept definition through production and deployment across mobile ground and maritime applications. The ideal candidate brings deep launcher system expertise, strong electro-mechanical integration capability, and direct experience designing ruggedized hardware for harsh operational environments. This is a highly hands-on technical leadership role suited for engineers who thrive in fast-moving development environments and are comfortable owning complex hardware systems end-to-end.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense mechanical design and system integration
Direct experience designing launcher systems, missile integration hardware, UAV launch platforms, or closely related defense systems
Strong understanding of blast, plume, thermal, vibration, and dynamic load environments
Experience with electro-mechanical integration including power, data, connector, and umbilical systems
Hands-on experience designing ruggedized mechanical hardware for harsh environments
Strong CAD proficiency using SolidWorks or equivalent tools, including large assembly management
Familiarity with military standards and environmental qualification practices including MIL-STD-810
Experience creating and managing interface documentation, tolerancing strategies, and installation requirements
Demonstrated ability to lead technical decision-making and resolve complex integration challenges
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Prior experience serving as technical lead or responsible engineer for launcher or weapons systems programs
Experience integrating launcher systems onto mobile or maritime platforms
Familiarity with launch sequencing, safe-and-arm systems, fuzing interfaces, and mission-critical safety requirements
Experience with structural, thermal, or multiphysics simulation tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar
Experience planning and executing hardware integration or environmental testing
Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly methods for deployable or ruggedized mechanical systems
Familiarity with military connector standards including 38999, ARINC, or Micro-D interfaces
Hands-on prototyping, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or fabrication experience

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical architecture and system integration of launcher platforms across ground and maritime environments
Define and manage critical mechanical and electro-mechanical interfaces between launcher systems, canisters, payloads, and platform infrastructure
Design solutions addressing blast, plume, thermal, and structural loads associated with rocket or missile launch environments
Develop gas management, shielding, thermal protection, and structural mitigation strategies
Design and integrate deployment, retention, release, and actuation mechanisms
Support launch sequencing, safety interlocks, and system-level safing requirements
Create and manage interface control documents (ICDs), mechanical specifications, and system integration documentation
Serve as a primary technical interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, customers, and platform integrators
Lead supplier technical reviews, design validation efforts, and make-versus-buy assessments
Support transition from development into production, qualification, and sustainment activities
Mentor and provide technical direction to cross-functional engineering teams