Lead Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Protection System

About the role

Leidos Defense is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for its Hypersonics line of business, supporting the Thermal Protection System (TPS) program of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB). The engineer works closely with manufacturing teams in a fast-paced, low-rate initial production environment, coordinating across design engineering, manufacturing engineering, process control and Material Review Board activities, and collaborating with suppliers. Success is measured by helping the production team deliver compliant products on time with complete flight traceability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate mechanical engineering activities for the Thermal Protection System.
• Work with the design agent to incorporate design changes that improve manufacturability, quality and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with operations teams to resolve technical issues and production bottlenecks affecting delivery.
• Work with manufacturing engineering to develop and refine work instructions and streamline processes.
• Support technicians during TPS installation and integration, including periodic onsite work in classified environments.
• Dispose of nonconforming hardware and support Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and the Failure Review Board (FRB).
• Communicate technical status and manufacturing issues to customers and internal stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET accredited) with 4+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years, or a high school diploma with 8+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; active Secret clearance preferred.
• Ability to travel to the Colorado Springs, CO manufacturing location about 20% of the time.
• Ability to support second-shift operations (3:00 PM-11:00 PM CST) for the first nine months, then first shift, with occasional second-shift support.
• Preferred: experience with missile systems, reentry vehicles or hypersonic programs, TPS design or manufacturing, composite design, AS9100, and cost/schedule awareness.

Required skills

• Familiarity with 3D CAD tools such as Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, specifications and configuration management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Pay range: $87,100 - $157,450.