Lead Mechanical Engineer – Directed Energy

Mission Technologies, a division of HII

Lead Mechanical Engineer designing advanced mechanical systems for directed energy platforms at HII's Mission Technologies division. Ensuring production-ready hardware meets stringent performance and safety requirements.

Posted 6/22/2026full-timeKnoxville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $101,354 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead computer-aided mechanical engineering design for structural components, power electronics, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, and mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
Direct design efforts for structural components, thermal management systems, precision optical mounts, mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies critical to directed energy platforms.
Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
Translate requirements into polished 2D/3D CAD models using SolidWorks.
Perform and oversee fundamental engineering analysis (stress, thermal, vibration, fluid dynamics).
Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical systems and prototypes.
Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.
Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers and program management.
Interface with manufacturing to optimize designs for fabrication.
Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.
Identify, articulate, and manage risks across mechanical, structural, and thermal systems.
Solve complex engineering problems in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.
Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.
Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications.
Lead configuration management using SolidWorks PDM.
Review and approve documentation from junior team members.
Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.

Requirements

What you’ll need

9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field.
High-level of proficiency in SolidWorks CAD for complex assemblies and systems.
Extensive experience with GD&T, creating manufacturing-ready drawings, and DFM principles.
Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed designs
Ability to perform fundamental analysis working from first principles
Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
Experience in creating DFMEA
Experience managing tasks within budgets
Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on prototyping.
Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels
SolidWorks PDM and configuration management experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mechanical engineering design2D CAD models3D CAD modelsengineering analysisstress analysisthermal analysisvibration analysisfluid dynamicsGD&TDFMEA

Soft Skills

technical leadershipmentoringcollaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingrisk managementcontinuous improvementnegotiationrelationship managementinfluencing