Principal Engineering Designer

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! Leidos’ Defense Systems Hypersonic Weapons Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to join our team and help support the Army and Navy in delivering top tier capability to the warfighter by supporting the Thermal Protection System (TPS) program of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB). The CHGB is the Army’s #1 priority for strategic weapons capability for long-range precision fires and will counter and gain a lead on our adversaries' technological advances in this field; come join us in this exciting, cutting-edge field! The selected candidate will oversee execution of the Technical Data Package (TDP) for the TPS program. As a Lead, you will work to both review and ensure a technically sound package is produced and delivered to the customer and to manufacturing, as well as working to manage the project by defining work scope, task descriptions, and manpower requirements to meet the program objectives and commitments. You’ll work closely with the design agent and government customer, as well as the production engineering team to drive changes to the TDP that will help improve the design, manufacturability, and cost of the CHGB. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! Leidos’ Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here ! Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today! Primary Responsibilities. Lead and coordinate mechanical design activities for a team of mechanical engineers and CAD designers in support of Technical Data Package (TDP) development and sustainment within a classified laboratory environment. Collaborate with the TPS Design Agent and cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate, develop, and implement design changes that improve manufacturability, reduce production issues, and enhance product performance. Plan, facilitate, and lead classified and unclassified Internal Review Boards (IRBs), Tabletop Reviews (TTRs), and other technical design reviews with government customers and internal stakeholders. Monitor engineering deliverables, schedules, and program metrics; prepare status reports for program leadership and customers while identifying opportunities to improve engineering processes, quality, and efficiency. Serve as an authorized Data Transfer Agent (DTA), ensuring the secure handling, transfer, and accountability of classified technical data in accordance with government and company security requirements. Mentor junior engineers and CAD designers by providing technical guidance, design oversight, and support for professional development. Support proposal activities, technical planning, risk assessments, and engineering estimates for new and existing programs, as required. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience or High School diploma and 16+ years of experience. Proficiency with CAD software such as PTC Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks. Experience working within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environments (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, or equivalent). Proficiency applying ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles, including tolerance stack-up analysis for components and assemblies, with expertise in profile and positional tolerancing. Understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, configuration management processes, and engineering change processes. Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and providing technical direction to teams of three or more engineers and CAD designers. Strong attention to detail, analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Experience interacting directly with customers and serving as the engineering organization's technical representative. Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively contributing in a collaborative team environment and providing technical guidance and mentorship to others. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferred Qualifications. Active Secret security clearance. 3+ years prior experience creating engineering drawings using Solidworks and Windchill. Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in a classified environment. Experience developing, maintaining, and releasing Technical Data Packages (TDPs) in accordance with MIL-STD-31000. Experience supporting DoD programs related to missile systems, reentry vehicles, or hypersonic technologies. Experience conducting design reviews, root cause investigations, failure analyses, and engineering change implementation. Prior work in assembly, integration, or testing of missile systems. Experience supporting rapid development, prototyping, or fast-paced engineering programs. Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace manufacturing practices. Knowledge of manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles. Understanding of cost, schedule, technical, and risk considerations associated with engineering development programs If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: September 8, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.