The Opportunity | Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

The Principle Mechanical Design Engineer designs and analyzes complex VPX based electro-mechanical systems for thermal design, structural design, and packaging using engineering expertise. Conducts feasibility studies and testing on new and modified designs for ruggedized computing systems. Directs support personnel in the preparation of mechanical models, drawings, thermal, and structural reports. Provides leadership in developing and adhering to the mechanical and environmental systems requirements as well as leading root cause corrective action in design.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides expertise in mechanical engineering to design complex equipment and systems and to assess new and existing equipment to optimize design efficiency, safety, quality and cost effectiveness.


• Design and conduct experiments, collect data and interpret results, conduct analysis and write analysis and test reports. Capability to draw conclusions and reconcile differences between predicted and actual results.


• Plan and coordinate the maintenance of moderately complex engineering solutions including documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical or other presentations to ensure visibility of the solution(s) in an evolving environment.


• Designs new equipment and machinery as conceived to support the in-house needs of Manufacturing and Engineering. Assists in building, installing, debugging and testing new equipment to ensure production capabilities.


• May determine maintenance schedules, procedures and safety standards on current and new equipment to ensure equipment is operated, maintained and serviced properly.


• Determine technical objectives and develop innovative, practical solutions to advance technical engineering problems. Provide technical support to failure investigations and bid responses.


• Provides direct Engineering leadership in root cause corrective action (RCCA) activity for mechanical failures.

Essential Skills

• A minimum of 7 years' experience in electro-mechanical packaging, electronics or computer chassis design, thermal management and structural management of electronics


• Familiar with electronic subsystems, circuit boards and debug of electronic systems


• Extensive experience with SolidWorks, including FEA and FDA add-ons (thermal, vibration, shock, fluid flow


• VPX & VME Electronics Packaging experience


• Extensive experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance to ASME Y14.5.


• Experience in leading a cross-functional team in the development of electronic subsystems, from concept to production


• Ability to create models and drawings, present design reviews, and perform trade studies and design reviews. Capable of coordinating multiple project responsibilities. Must be a team player and have knowledge of MS Office Suite.


• Knowledge and experience in military ruggedization of electronic subsystems, MIL-STD-810 qualification, and familiarity with VITA standards for electronics and mechanical form factors


• Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering


• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering field preferred

This position may require exposure to information which is subject to US export control regulations, i.e. the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of U.S. regulations.

Curtiss-Wright values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.