This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer (SRM Thermal Analysis) based in the United States.
We are seeking an experienced mechanical engineering professional to support advanced thermal analysis for solid rocket motor systems. In this role, you will apply specialized engineering expertise to evaluate component performance, develop thermal protection solutions, and improve the reliability of complex systems. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and customers to validate analytical models, assess materials, and solve challenging technical problems. The position combines advanced thermal engineering, computational analysis, testing, and design optimization. You will also contribute to technical reviews, present findings, and help guide engineering decisions throughout the development process. This is a full-time opportunity with a 9/80 work schedule and the flexibility to work remotely or from designated facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, or Hampton, Arkansas.
Accountabilities:
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Perform Advanced Thermal Analysis: Conduct detailed thermal analyses of solid rocket motor components to evaluate thermal performance and support engineering design decisions.
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Design Thermal Protection Systems: Determine sizing requirements for internal insulation, external thermal protection systems, and structural insulators.
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Develop and Validate Models: Validate analytical models against test data and develop predictive models for material ablation and erosion.
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Plan Material Characterization Tests: Define sub-scale testing approaches to characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of insulation and ablative materials.
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Evaluate Materials and Solutions: Assess and recommend suitable ablative materials and thermal protection systems for solid rocket motor applications.
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Apply Advanced Engineering Methods: Design, analyze, modify, test, and evaluate mechanical systems and components using established engineering principles and advanced analytical techniques.
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Review Technical Documentation: Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, specifications, and computer-generated reports to assess design feasibility and performance.
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Resolve Technical Challenges: Investigate equipment or system failures, identify potential causes, recommend corrective actions, and collaborate with relevant engineering and operational teams.
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Support Design Reviews: Prepare technical reports and presentations documenting analysis, modeling, and supporting engineering work, and present findings to peers and customers.
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Coordinate Cross-Functional Activities: Collaborate with engineers and other stakeholders to establish procedures, resolve technical issues, communicate engineering requirements, and ensure designs meet performance specifications.
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Manage Engineering Work Independently: Apply sound technical judgment to complex assignments, contribute to project or functional team leadership, and deliver work in accordance with established deadlines.
Requirements:
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Education and Experience: An engineering degree and an associate-level educational credential or equivalent combination as specified in the role requirements, with 8–10 years of relevant professional experience. A bachelor's degree is preferred.
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Thermal Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of thermal analysis principles and experience evaluating thermal performance in complex mechanical or engineering systems.
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Mechanical Engineering Knowledge: Strong knowledge of applied mechanics, mechanical design, design optimization, design reviews, prototyping, and requirements engineering or analysis.
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Computer-Aided Engineering Skills: Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, as well as tools used for thermal analysis and engineering modeling.
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Modeling and Testing Experience: Ability to validate engineering models against test data, evaluate material properties, and support the development of predictive analytical methods.
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Technical Documentation Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports and presentations.
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Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings and participate effectively in design reviews with colleagues and customers.
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Analytical and Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrated critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to investigate complex technical problems and recommend practical solutions.
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Independent Work and Team Leadership: Ability to manage assignments independently, collaborate across disciplines, mentor or guide others, and exercise sound professional judgment.
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Deadline Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and meet project commitments in a technically demanding environment.
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Travel Availability: Willingness to travel as needed, with travel expected to reach approximately 25%.
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Work Environment Flexibility: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, move throughout facilities as required, and accommodate occasional standing, exposure to indoor or outdoor environments, machinery, or different work shifts.
Benefits:
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Competitive Compensation: Annual salary range of approximately $119,000–$161,000, with final compensation determined by work location, relevant skills, experience, education, training, and internal equity.
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Additional Compensation: Potential eligibility to participate in a gain-sharing program.
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Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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Insurance Protection: Short-term and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance.
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Retirement Benefits: Access to a 401(k) plan and eligibility for a non-contributory retirement contribution.
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Flexible Spending Options: Pre-tax spending accounts.
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Voluntary Insurance and Protection: Options that may include critical illness insurance, accident insurance, identity theft protection, enhanced legal services, and hospital indemnity insurance.
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Paid Time Off: 120 hours of paid time off annually, in addition to paid holidays.
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Paid Family Leave: Up to three weeks of paid family leave.
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Professional and Personal Support: Educational assistance and an employee assistance program.
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Flexible Work Arrangement: Remote work option or the opportunity to work at designated facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, or Hampton, Arkansas.
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Work Schedule: Full-time position with a 9/80 schedule, allowing an alternative arrangement across a two-week work period.