Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Base salary: $62,500–$237,500 per year

Company

Independent nonprofit research and development organization delivering engineering solutions for national challenges across defense, space exploration, and biomedical engineering.

What you will do

• Explore mechanical design concepts and analyze trade-offs with minimal guidance.
• Define design approaches and independently execute engineering assignments.
• Develop ruggedized miniature electro-mechanical systems, dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems.
• Lead the full mechanical design cycle from concept selection through prototyping, testing, and delivery.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations and communicate design risks to project leadership.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers, scientists, program leaders, and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field.
• 15+ years of experience with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent full-cycle mechanical design experience.
• Strong understanding of applied mathematics and physics, analytical problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, computer-aided design software, modeling and simulation tools, or other relevant engineering tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance is required.
• An active security clearance is desired; Top Secret clearance is preferred.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field.
• Active government security clearance.
• Top Secret security clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative multidisciplinary environment focused on innovation and practical solutions.
• Workplace flexibility programs supporting work-life balance.
• Employee clubs, including photography and yoga.
• Health and finance workshops.
• Off-site social events and discounts at local museums and cultural activities.