Sr Principal Mechanical Engineer

Plano, TX · Wichita, KSFull-timePosted Jul 23, 2026

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.

Do you enjoy designing and developing innovative solutions to solve tough problems? Join our team to deliver technological solutions in a rapid and agile production environment. As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be at the forefront of our mechanical engineering efforts, driving innovation and setting industry standards. You will lead groundbreaking projects, mentor principal engineers, and influence the strategic direction of our mechanical engineering practices.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute high-impact, strategic mechanical engineering projects.

  • Provide expert guidance on the development of cutting-edge mechanical solutions.

  • Mentor and develop principal engineers, fostering a culture of excellence.

  • Influence and drive organizational strategies related to mechanical engineering, and participate in industry working groups.

  • Collaborate with executive leadership to align engineering initiatives with business goals.

  • Ensure all mechanical solutions meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance.

  • Act as SAOC Aerial Refueling Technical Lead

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

  • 16+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related role.

  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.

  • Renowned expertise in advanced mechanical design and analysis principles.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices

  • Advanced Understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools

  • Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

  • Experience designing Aerial Refueling Systems

  • Experience using CATIA/3DExperience

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • PhD in a related field.

  • Recognized thought leader in mechanical engineering

  • Demonstrated Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5

  • Thorough understanding of Engineering Simulation such as Finite Element structural analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Thermal Analysis

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

  • Advanced knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, material hardware selection, manufacturing, and production processes

  • Expert with FAA , NASA, and/or DoD design and construction regulations

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

  • Occasional travel may be required.

  • Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

  • Applying systematic and logical problem-solving techniques to develop mechanical designs

  • Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management

  • Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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