Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity At ThinKom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments. We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer who loves hands-on engineering, thrives on solving hard hardware problems, and wants to see their designs go from napkin sketch to physical deployment. If you're ready to lead critical programs, mentor rising talent, and push the limits of advanced satellite communications, this is your platform. POSITION SUMMARY As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the mechanical design, analysis, development, and manufacturing of advanced stationary and mobile antenna systems and related mechanical assemblies. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle - from concept development and detailed design through testing, manufacturing, and customer support. This role offers the opportunity to serve as the lead mechanical engineer on key programs while providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to multiple product development efforts across the organization. WHAT YOU'LL DO Lead Mechanical Architecture: Spearhead the end-to-end design, analysis, and execution of complex stationary and mobile antenna systems and precision mechanical assemblies. Program Leadership: Act as the Lead Mechanical Engineer on flagship programs while serving as a high-level subject matter expert across integrated product teams. Hands-On Execution: Drive design, FEA modeling, rapid prototyping, and root-cause troubleshooting throughout the entire hardware lifecycle. Elevate the Team: Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, instilling best-in-class engineering standards and DFM practices. Analyze & Validate: Oversee structural, thermal, dynamic, and vibration analyses (FEA) to ensure reliability in extreme operating environments. Drive Product Realization: Partner closely with internal production teams and external suppliers to streamline manufacturing (DFM/DFA), resolve production bottlenecks, and lower costs. Strategic Technical Voice: Present architectural concepts, trade-off analyses, and designs during major internal and customer design reviews, and assist in technical proposal efforts. WHAT YOU BRING Must-Haves: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s degree a plus). Experience: 10+ years of deep hands-on experience in mechanical engineering, product design, and complex hardware development. Engineering Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of GD&T, detailed drawing creation, DFM/DFA, and engineering configuration management. CAD Proficiency: Advanced expertise with 3D CAD modeling software (Creo preferred). Status: U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required to support U.S. Government contracts. Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Experience): Advanced design and analysis of precision positioner drive systems and precision bearing selection/kinematics. Deep experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) focusing on dynamic shock, vibration, heat transfer, and structural fatigue. Expertise with composite structures, advanced materials, precision gear trains, and specialized coatings/adhesives. Familiarity with diverse manufacturing processes: machining, casting, forming, injection molding, and additive manufacturing. WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT A Proven Technical Leader : You effortlessly balance high-level architectural thinking with down-in-the-weeds mechanical execution. A Product Champion: You take full ownership of designs, driving them with rigor from concept through production. An Elite Communicator: You translate complex multi-physics engineering concepts into clear choices for customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams. A Mentor at Heart: You genuinely enjoy helping younger engineers’ level up their technical skills and DFM capabilities. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS Typical office, CAD workstation, and lab/manufacturing environments. Ability to lift or move prototype equipment up to 50 lbs on occasion. Comfortable working near testing setups that may involve elevated noise levels, chemicals, or electromagnetic energy. Willingness to travel up to 10% for vendor visits, customer reviews, or off-site testing. WHY JOIN THINKOM? At ThinKom, you'll help develop innovative technologies that enable critical communications and advanced electromagnetic systems for Commercial Inflight Connectivity (IFC), High-Power Microwave (HPM), and Gateway & Defense SATCOM applications. You'll work alongside highly skilled engineers on technically challenging programs, influence product direction, and contribute to solutions that perform in some of the world's most demanding environments. We foster a collaborative culture that values innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth. If you're looking for an opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges while helping shape the future of advanced antenna and electromagnetic technologies, we encourage you to apply. Salary Range $140,000 - $180,000 ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan. ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy.