Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Description

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Who We Are

This role is in Textron System’s Uncrewed Land & Air System s business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About This Role

Textron Systems is seeking a full‑time Principal Mechanical Engineer to support the design, integration, and lifecycle development of mechanical systems for uncrewed air and land platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience creating robust mechanical solutions for ruggedized autonomous systems, including chassis structures, mobility subsystems, airframe components, payload integration, and environmentally hardened enclosures. This role requires strong communication skills, regular collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and the ability to balance rapid prototyping needs with long‑term production readiness. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a Secret‑level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for air and ground vehicle structures, payload mounts, enclosures, and actuation subsystems that support autonomous vehicles.
• Create complete Technical Data Packages, including 3D models, drawings, specifications, and bills of materials, for both prototype and production hardware.
• Produce and review high‑quality mechanical and electromechanical assembly drawings that support manufacturing, testing, and sustainment activities.
• Support transition of designs through build, integration, verification, and production, including hands‑on troubleshooting and supplier coordination.
• Draft clear technical documentation, system descriptions, and proposal inputs to support internal reviews and customer deliverables.
• Prepare design reports, trade studies, and presentations summarizing analysis, test results, and recommendations for vehicle and subsystem improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 15-20 years of relevant mechanical design experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or automotive sectors.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical components or systems for ruggedized ground vehicles, UAS platforms, robotic systems, or other systems operating in demanding environmental conditions.
• Experience contributing to vehicle‑level integration efforts, such as structural analysis, payload or sensor integration, environmental sealing, and airframe/vehicle layout.
• Familiarity with materials, joining methods, and manufacturing processes relevant to both prototype development and scalable production for mission‑critical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design (preferably Siemens NX or SolidWorks) and application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to ensure producible, repeatable mechanical designs.
• Ability to develop system‑level specifications, mass property reports, and structured mechanical documentation to support design reviews and configuration management.
• Experience working within digital engineering environments (NX, Teamcenter) to generate, release, and maintain product definitions.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

How We Care

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Education Assistance
• Career Development & Training Opportunities
• Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
• Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
• Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Pay Range

$158,500 - $243,700 per year.

AI Readiness

Textron expects employees to use AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively. Candidates should be comfortable learning and applying these tools, evaluating AI-generated output with sound judgment, and using AI in line with company policy and ethical standards. Prior experience with specific tools is not required — we value curiosity, adaptability, and good judgment.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company

Textron Systems

Primary Location

US-Maryland-Hunt Valley

Job Function

Engineering

Schedule

Full-time

Job Level

Individual Contributor

Job Type

Experienced

Shift

First Shift

Travel

Yes, 15 % of the Time

Job Posting

10/26/2026, 10:39:34 AM

Job Number