Logo
Catapult Solutions Group

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Catapult Solutions Group, Richardson, Texas, United States, 75080

Save Job

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Phased Array Radar Systems Onsite / Hybrid – Richardson TX (DFW area) Role Type Full‑Time

About Our Client We are working with a defense and aerospace company developing advanced phased‑array radar systems for critical applications. The company operates in the DFW area and serves defense and aerospace markets with high‑performance radar technology solutions.

Job Description This is a very senior, hands‑on role. There will be no direct reports. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design, system integration, and production manufacturing of phased‑array radar systems used in advanced defense and aerospace applications. This role owns the physical architecture of the radar subsystems and array, working closely with RF, electrical, thermal, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to deliver ruggedized, high‑performance hardware from concept through deployment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as Chief Engineer for all mechanical aspects of the radar and contribute as the technical authority for system integration requirements

Responsible for design release and sign‑off to production

Lead architecture discussions and decisions between teams

Document trade studies and analyses of cost/performance details

Structural design and analysis of integrated electromechanical system components at both prototype and mass manufacture scales

Integrated FEA analysis of components to meet thermal and mechanical requirements for both commercial and military specifications

Adaptation of RF and EE design requirements into CAD designs

Specification of cable assemblies, terminations, and compact routing

Design & detail of complex machine assembly methods

Management of varied manufacturing methods, including sheet metal, CNC, extrusion, brazing, welding, PCBA, glue‑up, assembly jigs, and test stands

System design across thermal, power, and mechanics to meet diverse engineering and business requirements

Manage vendor relations on sourced components and serve as technical authority on component specifications

Interface with manufacturing and assembly teams to coordinate responsibilities and handoffs

Design & test of high‑load thermal management and cooling systems

Integration of high‑voltage field power generators with human operators

Lifecycle design including operational and service aspects of the radar assembly, system components, and deployment equipment in varied environments

Maintenance of professional standards across teams and functions

Design release cycles, drawing packets, GD&T, DFM, ISO 9001, ISO‑MIL, AS9100, sourcing, manufacturing standards, etc.

Perform design reviews and revision control

Support manufacturing across the company, providing DFM for prototyping, pilot, and production runs, both in‑house and with CM's, serving engineering and business

Design for manufacturability and high‑reliability production

Support prototype builds and production scaling

Participate in failure analysis and corrective actions

Required Experience / Skills

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred)

10+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, radar, or similar systems

Experience with phased‑array radar or related RF electromechanical hardware

Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred), FEA simulation, and thermal models

Strong background in structural, thermal, and vibration analysis

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Nice‑to‑Haves

Experience with AESA radar systems and high‑power RF electronics

Experience with complex machine design and production lifecycles

Rapid R&D prototyping methods and translation to scaled production processes in aerospace materials and tooling

Familiarity with RF materials and design rules for radomes, enclosures, and antennas

Education Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred)

Pay & Benefits Summary

Healthcare, dental, vision, 401(k), stock options

Bonus package: equity

Clearance US Citizen. Ability to obtain to Secret clearance

Ready to lead cutting‑edge radar systems from concept to deployment? Apply today and make your mark on the future of defense technology!

#J-18808-Ljbffr