Principal Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, analysis, and integration of advanced electronic warfare, countermeasure, and electromagnetic attack systems. This role combines hands-on engineering with team leadership and mentorship, supporting the full product lifecycle from concept development through qualification and production. The ideal candidate is a proven mechanical engineering leader with deep experience in hardware design, structural and thermal analysis, and military electronic systems integration.
Responsibilities
Lead and support a team of mechanical engineers in the design, development, and integration of complex countermeasure and electromagnetic attack solutions.
Develop robust mechanical hardware solutions that meet demanding customer, program, and environmental requirements.
Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to engineers, helping develop future technical leaders within the organization.
Perform and review detailed mechanical designs and engineering analyses, including structural, thermal, and environmental assessments.
Create and evaluate 3D solid models, engineering drawings, and product definitions.
Apply GD&T principles and perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit, form, and function.
Assess hardware designs for manufacturability, reliability, and environmental compliance.
Support proto@type development, hardware integration, testing, and verification activities.
Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle.
Support technical design reviews and provide engineering recommendations to program leadership.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Significant experience in mechanical design, product development, and engineering analysis.
Strong experience in structural and thermal analysis of complex hardware systems.
Experience working with integrated military electronic hardware and associated test equipment.
Demonstrated leadership experience guiding technical teams and mentoring engineers.
Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and mechanical product definition tools.
Strong understanding and application of GD&T and tolerance analysis methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and within small multidisciplinary teams.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to execute complex technical projects from concept through validation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting electronic warfare, countermeasure, RF, or electromagnetic attack systems.
Experience with environmental qualification testing and military hardware requirements.
Familiarity with proto@type development, hardware integration, and verification testing.
Experience leading design reviews and cross-functional engineering efforts.
Experience in defense or aerospace product development.
Work Environment
The work environment includes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, utilizing advanced technologies and equipment. The role requires flexibility in working hours to support various stages of product development. Expect a professional setting where innovation and technical excellence are highly valued.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashua, NH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $66.00 - $89.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashua, NH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Nashua,NH.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
