Principal Mechanical Engineer

Aptask Global Workforce (AGW) is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a full-time position with an Aerospace and Defense Technology Company located in Longmont, CO.

This role is at the forefront of designing and delivering cutting-edge precision optical systems tailored for the most challenging environments, from spaceborne telescopes to seaborne sensor systems. A Principal Mechanical Engineer will demonstrate expertise in the design, analysis, and integration planning of precision, opto-mechanical subsystems. This position requires close collaboration across disciplines to ensure all functional and performance requirements are met effectively.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrate technical leadership: Utilize expert-level knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and/or Opto-Mechanical Engineering to execute major programs, lead and mentor cross-functional teams, and drive design initiatives to achieve program goals

Own product design and development: Lead product design and process development activities, ensuring all designs and processes meet customer specifications, technical requirements, and functional performance standards

Develop and maintain system-level CAD models: Oversee the creation and maintenance of system-level CAD designs, including layout generation, component and assembly modeling, and detailed drawings to support manufacturing and integration

Conduct advanced analysis and verification: Perform structural, dynamic, shock, and thermal analyses such as FEA and STOP to certify compliance with functional and performance requirements

Collaborate with program management: Provide technical guidance and strategic input to program leaders, contributing to project planning and execution

Support manufacturing and operations: Partner with Manufacturing/Operations to implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) principles

Participate in advanced technology development: Contribute to innovation by providing insights into new concepts and informing research and development activities

Manage product configurations and changes: Participate in configuration control, change control, and material review processes

Requirements:

Minimum ten years of related experience in a professional role with a Bachelor's degree or related discipline

Minimum of seven years of related experience with a Master's degree in a relevant field

Minimum of three related years with a Ph.D. in a relevant field

Desired skills:

Experience in optomechanical or precision mechanism design

Knowledge of optical system design, including optics, mounting strategies, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), manufacturability, and cost estimation

Competence with 3D CAD software; experience using SOLIDWORKS is preferred

Familiarity with analysis methods and tools such as Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter 3D, Mathcad, Matlab, and/or Star CCM+

Experience with precision mechanisms, including motor and bearing sizing, encoder selection, lubrication, and flexure design

Understanding of advanced materials such as ceramics, specialty metals (e.g., Invar), carbon fiber composites, and optical coatings

Familiarity with systems engineering tools and practices such as error budgeting, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Technical Performance Measure (TPM) tracking

Exposure to optical systems integration and testing

Design for assembly and integration, including alignment planning, tolerance stack analysis, and assembly workflows

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a "U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.

Pay range: $100,650 - $178,200 per year

Aptask Global Workforce (AGW)

ApTask Global Workforce (AGW) is a certified Minority and Veteran workforce solutions company. AGW delivers operational, clinical, lab and professional talent with a strong focus on healthcare and life sciences. The company supports clients with reliable staffing, program expertise and a commitment to quality, speed and consistent delivery.

Our team stays close to the process and is here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more, please visit our website

ApTask Global Workforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.